Read Acts 1:9-11
Key Verse: They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:11 CSB)
It must have been an incredible sight to see. As Jesus finished commissioning His disciples to be His witnesses, He was taken up into the sky and “a cloud took him out of their sight” (v.9). Just like that He was gone. And it was quite the departure to say the least.
The disciples stood there astonished. They gazed into the heavens, likely amazed and perhaps a little bit stunned at what they had just witnessed. As they stared into the sky, two men dressed in white robes appeared before them with an incredible promise. They said to the disciples, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven” (v.11). Though Jesus was gone for now, there would be a time when He would come again.
The return of Jesus is the great hope of every true believer. Jesus said, “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). Think about how incredible those words are. Jesus will come again!
So how should we live in light of that awesome reality? What difference should this promise make that Jesus will one day come again? For the disciples who witnessed the ascension of Jesus, their first response was joy-filled worship. Luke records that, “After worshipping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they were continually in the temple praising God” (Luke 24:52-53). Knowing that Christ will one day return is a reason for great joy, not only for them but also for us, particularly as we walk through the difficulties and trials that come as we wait.
The promised return of Jesus should also spur us on to a greater pursuit of holiness. We are called to, “deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live a sensible, righteous and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). The time spent in between Christ’s ascension and His return is to be one marked by Spirit-empowered obedience, seeking to do His will and to grow in His character more and more.
Take a moment to reflect today on the promise of Christ’s return. Worship and praise the One who is alive and who will one day return in all His glory. Invite the Spirit to fill you with joy. Ask Him to show you how you can live differently as you wait for Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, I praise you today that you are coming back. As I wait, fill me with joy. Help me by Your Spirit to pursue a life of holiness and to engage fully in the mission you have entrusted to me. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
