Today is Ascension Day! Remember, we will see Him return the same way He ascended. As certainly and mysteriously. Be ready. Be expectant. Every knee will bow and every voice proclaim that He is The LORD.
Just a few stories to remember the event. If we stayed in the NIV these verses would be entitled The Great Commission, but we’re in The Message today.
Matthew 28 MSG
16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
Go out and train everyone you meet. Forgive us, Lord, for neglecting this. Make it impossible not to share you with all that we meet. Instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. With You only, Lord, are we even close to capable to remember all You’ve said and done. Lead and teach us.
Acts 1 MSG
6 When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?”
7-8 He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”
9-11 These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.”
What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit.
Then you will be able to be My witnesses.
“This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.”
Praise the Lord!