who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky, will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.” Acts 1:11 WEB
This statement is part of the description of the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of the twelve disciples of Christ establishing the church. With the help of the Holy Spirit and the expectation of Jesus’ return from heaven, they do eventually establish the church, but first they encounter two men in glowing white robes who appear to be angels. They encourage the disciples that Christ will return in the clouds, just as he was taken into the sky.
Christ had prepared his disciples for his death and resurrection. In addition, he proved his resurrection by appearing to his followers for forty days after God raised him from the tomb. Also, Jesus promised to return and receive his faithful. The Lord said in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. WEB”
The Realm of God
Jesus’ ascension into the sky serves as a metaphor for his elevation above the earthly realm. It signifies his entering the spiritual realm of God. The angels addressing the men as “men of Galilee” is significant. Each of these men, like Christ, were from the district of Galilee. However, when filled with the Holy Spirit, they each speak in different languages than their own indicating the power of the Holy Spirit working through them.
Importantly, the ascension of Christ marks the beginning of the church era. Equipped with the gospel message of Christ, the disciples began to build the Christian church. They start by sharing the Good News of Christ in Jerusalem. In obedience to Christ, the faithful continue to share the gospel message as Jesus commanded in Mark 16:15 saying, “Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the promise of eternal life. Thank you for the hope in your holy word. Give me strength and wisdom to follow your will. Guide me with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: A New Commandment
