OUR ASCENDED LORD

“He was taken up into a cloud
while they were watching, ---
but someday he will return
from heaven in the same way
you saw him go!”
Acts 1:9,11 NLT
~~~~~

The general public is fairly familiar with the idea that Jesus came into this world as a newborn babe at Christmas. But how he left, that is a different story. Even in many churches the Ascension of Jesus is a neglected part of the Gospel story. In 1 Timothy 3:16 Paul shows that it is a vital part of our faith. “Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.”

For forty days after the resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples numerous times. While his body seemed normal and he ate food like anyone else, it had supernatural qualities – it could pass through walls, appear and disappear. On ascension day, he was telling his disciples about receiving the power of the Holy Spirit and all of a sudden “he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching.” Angels appeared to them and said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:9,11

So what is Jesus doing between his ascension and his coming again? That would be too much to cover here, but let me mention some things.

· Having accomplished our salvation through his death and resurrection, he is exalted at the right hand of the Father, and the Father has given him a name that is above every name.
· While he was in his human body, he could only be at one place at a time - now since he sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he indwells all believers.
· He is the head of the Church which is his body on earth, and he gives apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip God’s people to do his work.
· He is our great High Priest and ever lives to make intercession for us.
· He is preparing a place for us, that where he is we may be also.
· When he returns, the graves will open and the dead in Christ will rise first and then those who are alive will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so will be with him forever.

Let’s Pray-
Thank you, Jesus, for all you are doing to build your church here on earth and getting her ready to meet you in the air and spend eternity with you.
Amen