They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11)
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As the disciples watched Jesus depart into Heaven, they were confronted by angelic messengers.
They were told that Jesus would return in like manner.
The disciples came off that mountain and got busy doing what the Lord had called them to do!
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The world is going to Hell.
We too must be busy sharing the gospel.
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When Jesus returned to Heaven, He returned to accomplish several specific ministries for the people of God:
He Ascended As The Crucified One. He returned bearing in His body the marks of the cross. He went back as the crucified Lamb of God. He had accomplished redemption on the cross for all who will believe in Him by faith. He returned with His Own blood to present in Heaven as the perfect, eternal, once for all atonement for sin.
He Ascended As The Conquering One. Three days after He died, He arose from the grave in absolute victory! He had invaded the territory of the enemy, ransacked his position, spoiled him, and returned in victory to His Own City!
He Ascended As The Consoling One. When He returned to Heaven, He sent His Spirit into the world to indwell, fill, guide and comfort His people. He sent the Holy Spirit to bring gifts to them. And His gifts make their service to Him possible!
He Ascended As The Confessing One. He confesses His people before the throne of God. He is our Mediator. He is our Advocate. He expresses our heart and our needs before the throne of grace.
He Ascended As The Confirming One. His presence in Heaven is the guarantee of our presence in Heaven some day! He ascended into Heaven as our forerunner!
He Ascended As The Coming One. He would return in the same manner. When He comes the next time, it will be to receive His people unto Himself and take them to Heaven.
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We will see the Lord Jesus in His glory in Heaven.
Some of us may even see Him when He returns in the clouds above to take us home with Him!
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Praise God for His ascension and His work in Heaven for us!
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