Ascension
Acts 1:9-11.
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.”
Dear Servants of the Most High,
The disciples did not expect any change at this point. They still harbored hopes of an immediate earthly kingdom.
Departure (v. 9).
Unexpectedly and much to the dismay of the disciples, Jesus was taken up from them into heaven. This was most probably in order that they would understand that Jesus was really, truly gone. His exit needed to be clearly evident so that it would communicate a definite change of circumstances.
Duo (v. 10).
The shock of Jesus being taken away from them in plain sight left the disciples in a stupor. Whether the two men in white robes walked up to them or suddenly appeared, the Eleven could only take a guess. The two men were most probably angels.
Declaration (v. 11).
The men had a simple message of hope – Jesus will return the same way he went into heaven. It was visible, ascending Jesus that left, it will be visible, descending Jesus who will return.
There are many things we do not know about the nature of Jesus’ resurrection body and his present state in heaven, but we do know that he is coming back and that we will be transformed to be like him at his appearance (1 John 3:2). Are you ready for his coming?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.