Stand

     As followers of Jesus, we await His coming. Every generation of believers, since the time of His resurrection and ascension into heaven, watch for His return. We say, “Come, Lord Jesus.” We look up with anticipation. He is right at the door.

     We wait, firmly planted, removed from darkness into light, side-by-side with our fellow believers, encouraging, waiting expectantly. We do not want to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. It is not only pie in the sky when we die, but steak on the plate while we wait.

     The disciples scattered when Jesus was arrested and sent to the cross. The Jews were expecting their Messiah, their King to rule over the earth, to defeat the oppressive Roman government. They thought, they believed, Jesus was the King. They did not understand.

     He came back to them from an empty tomb. He overcame death! He spoke with them. He walked through a wall and showed Doubting Thomas His nail-punctured hands. Impulsive Peter, as he had done once before, jumped right out of the boat when he saw Jesus along the shore. Jesus cooked for them and I imagine John (he called himself “the disciple Jesus loved”) sitting right next to his resurrected friend as they ate their fish picnic along the beach.

     He was back. The kingdom had come! Hope resounded once more. No, not yet. Jesus tells them He must leave. He will send them the power of the Holy Spirit and they will be His witnesses. What?! They did not understand.

After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”  Acts 1 9-11

     Over 2,000 years later, we look intently into the sky. Is it today, Lord? The disciples could not have imagined a 2,000 year span before their King returned. They could not imagine the Gentile world being offered this gift of grace, a chance to be born again into new life, and that the power of the same Holy Spirit would live within us as we wait.

     Well, don’t just stand there! We have work to do, before He arrives. He is coming soon.

Dear Jesus,

Each day brings us closer to seeing You in Your glory. We are Your witnesses to the ends of the earth. We fix our eyes on heaven, as we move ahead on earth.

Amen