The prime duty of a man was to live in such a manner that dyin’ would come easy to him.”
–Ernest Haycox (Trail Smoke)
“…And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”
–Colossians 2:14-15(NKJV)
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Perhaps I should have saved this for next week sometime, but the thoughts were in my mind, and I didn’t want to lose them. Maybe, just maybe it is for someone today. I know that Sunday is Resurrection Day–Easter. Forty days after the resurrection Jesus ascends back to heaven, to His throne. I don’t know what the disciples thought. They didn’t think He would die the horrible death He did by hanging on the cross, and now that He was with them again, He is now again gone. Did they think He would remain on earth with them? Ponder the following verses from Acts 1:
9 — Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
10 — And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them, in white apparel,
11 — 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.” (NKJV)
There are some important things that Jesus said in Acts 1, but I want to focus on the words of the men in white apparel (angels), “Why do you stand gazing up into heaven?” They were gawking up into the sky instead of following Jesus’ instructions. I’m sure in the next ten days their thoughts went back to the cross, the empty tomb, and the ascension, as would be expected, but here there was an admonition pointed at them.
“Why stand gazing?” It is important that we celebrate this season, but don’t get too caught up in the symbols, and how important they are, and forget the meaning, the purpose, and the results. Why stand gazing at the cross? Jesus declared the work was finished. Yes, it is because of the work at the cross that we are redeemed, reconciled, and in fellowship with God, but often the splinters from the cross become relics and idols to us. Jesus declared that the work was finished; God, the Father had given His only Son. Some wear what is called a crucifix that shows Christ still on the cross–No! It is finished, the work is complete, He is no longer on the cross. God’s wrath and justice was appeased and His mercy and grace poured out. Why stand gazing at the empty tomb? The victory over death, hell, and the grave is complete, over, finished.
One more thought for this Good Friday: John records the following words of Jesus, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.” (12:23, NKJV). Jesus, not long before the cross prayed these words, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.” (John 17:1, NKJV) Jesus used this phrase, “the hour has come” several times in the book of John. Someone rightly wrote, “It is more than just a time period; it’s a turning point in history.” We remember the words of Paul in writing to the Galatians, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son…”. (4:4, NKJV)
This “fullness of time” was one particular, specific time in history. A time appointed, a time when it was just right for the event to occur, the only time it could occur. Jesus was born in the “fullness of time.” He was crucified for the sins of man and on the third day rose from the grave victorious–if I may say, in the “fullness of time.” Hang on, go back to the words of the men in white apparel in Acts, “in the fullness of time” this same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
There is a plan for man and the world. It is not a haphazardly thrown together series of events. It is a plan in the “time schedule” of God. Jesus, in the fullness of times, when it is just right, will come back to earth. Why stand gazing, get on with the work of the kingdom? William Barclay writes, “The Second Coming is not a matter for speculation and for illegitimate curiosity; it is a summons to make ourselves ready for that day when it comes.”
So celebrate this wondrous weekend in all that it includes. Remember, however, to keep it godly, stay away from idols and the frivolity that the world offers. Have fun, but do not let them deter you from the mighty event that took place in the fullness of times for our salvation and reconciliation to God. Joyfully sing:
“At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!”
–Isaac Watts