This past Thursday was Ascension Day – marking 40 days after the Resurrection when Jesus ascended into heaven in front of the disciples. We read from Acts 1:8-11 as follows:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Jesus’ return to heaven was a majestic sight to behold. It also would have served as a powerful verification of Christ’s might and power. The very one who had been with them was now returning to the throne of God. Can you imagine how this would have strengthened the disciples in their faith and given them courage to continue to trust in Him?
We know from reading the Gospels that the disciples wrestled with fear and doubt. As Christians today, we struggle with dome of those same concerns. How good it is to be assured of the very promises of Jesus, that He returned to heaven to prepare a place for us, to intercede for us, and that someday again He will return for His believers.
Trusting in these promises with you,
Pastor Kirk