Today we remember Jesus’ ascension up to heaven over 2,000 years ago. Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb of God, had been crucified, buried, and rose back to life three days later. As witnesses to that miracle, I am sure the disciples thought nothing would surpass that experience!
For forty days Jesus was with them, teaching them why He had to die, and preparing them for their mission ahead of extending His kingdom. He commissioned them as witnesses to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins to all nations, and to wait for the Holy Spirit to empower them for this task.
While they were on a mountain, Jesus blessed them and was taken up into the clouds. Two angels explained that He would return in the same way. For the disciples it must have been breath-taking and unbelievable. What they had just seen confirmed they had lived three years with God himself! They worshipped, were full of joy and praised God! Ten days later, at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out and the disciples were released to passionately share their testimonies with all who would listen.
I wonder how often over the remaining years of their lives, they looked up to the clouds anticipating His return.
Mark’s gospel tells us that once he arrived in heaven, Jesus sat down at the right hand of God, taking His throne. It was His Coronation Day when He was crowned the King of all Kings!
Now we join them in worship with hearts full of gratitude and awe. We are also waiting for Jesus to return.
This time as the Lion.
Photos of cloud by Eberhard Grossgasteiger and lion by Ingo Stiller on Unsplash
