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His Ascension |
"... as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven" (Acts 1:9-11 ASV).Jesus lived. Jesus died. Jesus rose again. But, what then? What happened after He arose from the grave? What happened after He appeared for forty days with the disciples and others? What was His fate? Was His departure lowly? Or, was it a spectacular display of deity? Did He fall down to the ground and return to the dust, as all men one day will? Did He simply fade or vanish, disappearing into thin air? Did He gallop off into the sunset on a white steed? We need not guess. We know. The narration is simple, but it is filled with great meaning and assurance. The special departure of the Lord makes it obvious that He is not like other men. He is without an equal. He is unmatched in all history. The inspired historian Luke gives us the answer. He ascended (Acts 1:9-11; Luke 24:50-53). Prophets of old also give answer. He ascended. David said, "Thou hast ascended on high..." (Psa. 68:18). Daniel adds, "... behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him" (Dan. 7:13-14). They not only declare that Jesus ascended but that He ascended into heaven. The Lord's ascension into heaven places Him in a category of His own. "And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, even the Son of man, who is in heaven" (John 3:13 ASV). Daniel speaks of that glory, and His place of ascension (Dan. 7:13-14). Stephen saw Him in heaven (Acts 7:55-56). John saw Him in heaven (Rev. 5:6-7). Jesus lived! Jesus died! Jesus rose again! Jesus Ascended! What assurance! What great encouragement! |