“He’s Coming Back!”

Tuesday, April 08, 2025

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "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 1:9-11)

On Mount Olivet, a Sabbath day’s journey from Jerusalem, Jesus gave his last instructions to his Apostles.  Then suddenly he was taken in a cloud.  Luke is the only one to record the details of the ascension of Jesus.  The Lord’s attempts to prepare his disciples for his departure during his earthly ministry are recorded by other gospel writers.  

Luke records: “while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”  One can only imagine how they must have felt by the sudden departure of their spiritual leader.  Jesus would set them lose in a sin broken world to herald a message that would be rejected by the majority.  "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)  I suspect they had a knot in their stomach when he disappeared.

The ascension of Christ presents a problem for the opponents of Christianity because it is inseparably connected to His resurrection.  Jesus left nothing behind in this world.  He never wrote a book. He did not leave behind an estate.  He did not even leave behind even one artifact to be placed in a museum.   He left nothing but an empty tomb and twelve men to testify of his life.  Had Jesus simply died he would be no better than Confucius or Mohammed.  However, by His ascension, Jesus was fully enthroned as Lord and Christ! In heaven He is exalted to a position of highest honor and authority. (Acts 2:32-36) 

In addition Luke records: that two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "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."  Though the Master has been taken away, he will come again in a manner more splendid and a form more glorious!  All is not lost!  He’s coming back!  He will return at an unexpected time!

In several parables Jesus taught that those who are wise will prepare for the unexpected appearance of the bridegroom or the return of the master. (see Matthew 25)  His ascension is a reminder to his disciples that they have work to do while he is away.  Only those who have zealously prepared for His return will be blessed.

George Slover

 

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