ODJ: gone home
June 2, 2011
Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go! (v.11).
READ: Acts 1:1-11
One of my favorite movies is the 1982 science fiction blockbuster E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. The movie ends with an emotional scene as E.T. says goodbye to his young friend Elliot. Before entering the spaceship, E.T. tells him, “I’ll be right here,” pointing his glowing finger to Elliott’s head. E.T. then walks into the spaceship and takes off, leaving a rainbow in the sky, which in a way reminds me of Jesus’ ascension.
Ascension Day is the day Jesus returned to heaven, 40 days after His crucifixion (Acts 1:3). Unlike Good Friday, Easter Sunday, or Pentecost Sunday, very few churches hold services to remember Jesus’ return to heaven. So what does His ascension mean for us today? Prior to His ascension, Jesus told His disciples, “You will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere” (v.8). His return to the Father set in motion the powerful indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit (vv.4-5,8). Jesus said that He had to go away (John 16:7). Only then would the Father send the Holy Spirit as a gift to us (Acts 1:4; John 14:16-17). He came to indwell every believer (1 Corinthians 3:16), and to be our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Teacher (John 14:26, 15:26).
Jesus’ return to heaven set the course for His promised return to earth (v.11). Having completed His redemptive work on the cross, Jesus continues His intercessory work as our Advocate and High Priest in heaven, enthroned at the Father’s right hand (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 8:1-2; 1 John 2:1). “But someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go” (Acts 1:11) and “with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26).
Considering that nearly 2,000 years have already passed, the day of His return for us could come much sooner than we expect (Rom. 13:11; 1 Peter 4:7). But today, by His Spirit, He is “right here” in our hearts. —K.T. Sim
Why do you feel it’s important to remember Jesus’ return to the Father? How does His imminent return to earth affect the way you live today?
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