A man was what he did, how he shaped up at work, or against trouble.”
–Louis L’Amour (Tucker)
“So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’”
–Luke 19:13 (NIV)
————————-
I can remember sermons being preached regarding the ascension of Jesus to Heaven. At least every year, there was a message on Ascension Day, but in the last score of years I cannot recall a sermon. Now, that doesn’t mean one wasn’t preached, it is just that there is nothing there to jog my memory concerning it. However, it is one of the most important days in history. The ascension prefaces the Book of Acts.
“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 1:10-11 (NKJV)
Jesus, the Word from the beginning, who had departed His throne, leaving His glory there had come earth in humility as a man, a baby, helpless, vulnerable. Now look at the scene; He ascends Christlike. Angels heralded His birth, the universe was notified. His ascension takes place with His disciples, and the two angels stand there and ask them a simple question. There was no fanfare, no cheering–Jesus was going back to assume His duties as the King of kings and Lord of lords. George H. Morrison wrote, “The event that ends the earthly ministry of Jesus begins the ministry upon the throne.” Jesus is now sitting on the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.
I have always thought that one of the issues that Jesus faced on earth was that His glory wanted to return to Him. He laid it aside, but Satan tempted Him and I think the glory wanted to return. On the Mount of Transfiguration there is a feature that Peter, James, and John saw when His face began to glow–His glory wanting to return. He had to lay it aside for no man can live and look upon God in all His glory. Now, with the ascension He was going back to clothe Himself once again, and forever, with it.
“Jesus had to leave them [disciples] as the self-limited Jesus who had taken on our humanity. As the glorified Christ He commanded all power in heaven and earth which He had promised would be released in prayer in His name” (Lloyd J. Ogilvie). Notice that this takes place at the beginning of the Book of Acts; the rest of the book shows the power of the ascending Lord beginning with the sending of the Promise on Pentecost.
Look at the angels’ words, “why do you stand gazing…” Jesus is gone to Heaven, back to His throne, now it is time for them to get on with His work on earth. They were to tarry for the Holy Spirit. Remember back to the Transfiguration, there was talk of wanting to stay on the mount, but Jesus said that there was work to be done back in the valley. Don’t gaze, but work until He comes. That is the second part of their statement, “He will come back in like manner.”
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”
–1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NKJV)
He ascended into the clouds to Heaven and in like manner He shall return to catch up His bride. This is not the Second Coming, but the Rapture of the Church and it will be for His disciples. The Second Coming will be heralded and every eye shall see Him.
We are to occupy. Jesus has come to an end of his earthly ministry, but is with us always. One more thing to ponder, at the ascension there were unknown disciples. Two will be named shortly afterward, and one will take the place of Judas–Matthias. They had to fulfill the obligations and requirements of a disciple. Before this time Matthias was not mentioned, now he is one of the chosen.
One more thought: there is purpose in God’s delay in returning. Think about it, the disciples thought His return was imminent. If it had been there would be no hope for us. Throughout church history, the return of the Lord was thought to be close at hand. If the rapture had occurred during one of those periods, we would not have had the opportunity to accept Jesus as Savior. There is reason for His delay, until the last one has accepted Him.