“TO CHEW ON: ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:11
The giddy, wonderful, too-good-to-be-true days of Jesus with them again didn’t last. One day when he was with His disciples He had His last face-to-face conversation with them. “Go to Jerusalem and wait to be baptized by the Holy Spirit,” He said.
Some still didn’t get it. “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Jesus put them off with typical grace. “It is not for you to know times or seasons…” Then He gave them their assignment and was gone, drifting up from their sight, soon obliterated by clouds.
I wonder if they realized at the time it really was the last time they would see Him. I can just imagine them berating themselves and each other for not asking more questions, listening more closely. They hadn’t realized that Jesus would leave them again so soon. No doubt in those first days they looked up a lot.
We’re still looking up, awaiting His return. The Bible writers don’t say much about it. But what various ones do say from across time help us understand that Jesus return will be:
- Bodily, in space and time, from the sky (“with clouds”): Daniel 7:13; Acts 1:11.
- With power: Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27.
- As a judge: Psalm 98:9.
- Delayed and unexpected, though when it comes, it will be a catalyst for massive upheaval and destruction on earth and throughout the universe: 2 Peter 3:3-13.
- “Eagerly awaited” by some: Hebrews 9:28.
How do you feel about His second coming? Do you give it much thought? If He comes during your lifetime, will it catch you off guard? I want to be one of those who “eagerly await” it! Don't you?
MORE: Today the church celebrates Christ’s ascension, called “Ascension Day.”
The liturgy for the day begins with this Collect:
"Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen."
Do your 8-12-year-olds have daily devotions? Point them to Bible Drive-Thru.
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