The Ascension precedes the Return

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, 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; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1 :9-11

This stage of ascension of Christ is astonishing. Just imagine for a while being part of the disciples standing on the Mount of Olives, just in front of your Master who just rose up from the death. After having given some recommendations, you see Jesus being lifted up by the clouds and flying in the sky. Wow! What an impressive show … Christ being lifted up to the culminating point of the heavens of heavens, to the right side of the father. And he performed this ascension with a real physical body.

I think that there is a nice sense of divine humour behind the question of the angels: « Why do you continuously look towards heaven? ». This question can quickly be answered – after all, we do not see all the days a human being lifted up and flying before our eyes. However, the most important thing to remember from this story can be found at the end of today’s biblical passage: « this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven».

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, 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; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
Acts 1 :9-11
 

Dear friends, one thing is really certain, Jesus will return very soon. This event is as significant as his death and resurrection. Sometimes, we are afraid of the idea to see the King of kings returning to take his spouse with him and to judge the earth. However, this triumphal returning should cause us to and encourage us to persevere up to the end for the faith we have been given once for all.

The return of Christ will not be a tragic moment of history. On the contrary, this return will be glorious and majestic. Our living hope, Jesus himself, will be demonstrated in his glory of heaven and will come to reign with us on earth.

“The return of Christ will not be a tragic moment of history. On the contrary, this return will be glorious and majestic.” 

Therefore, as the feast of the ascension is approaching, let´s remember with joy that another advent will be approaching and that all children of God will take part in this magnificent celebration. That´s the reason why I would like to encourage you to gird the waist of our understanding, to keep the hope of our salvation, and to be in a joyful expectation of the return of our Saviour and Lord. « Stay awake and pray », that´s what Jesus asks us to do up to his return. Be abundantly blessed.