It’s hard to imagine the level of emotions Jesus’ friends experienced in the weeks after their last Passover together. They went from being heartbroken when He was murdered to hopeful when He rose again. For forty days they celebrated their risen Lord and waited for Him to overthrow the Roman government and take His rightful place as King. But instead, Jesus told them He was leaving. They must have been confused. That was not at all how they had pictured things going. Then before their eyes, their King disappeared in a cloud with an angelic promise that one day He would be back.
And when He had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:9-11 ESV
Jesus was gone, but not forever!
There must have been a mixture of sadness and excitement. On the one hand, their friend and Lord was no longer with them. But on the other hand, He was alive and one day He’d be back! All that He had taught them over the past three years must have finally made sense.
I wonder if they recalled the parable Jesus had taught about the master, the servants, and the bags of silver. Did they suddenly realize they were those servants? Jesus had entrusted them with the gospel and when He came back, they would have to give an account of what they did with it.
Jesus’ promised return fueled their fire.
From that moment on, they lived with anticipation of His arrival. Every day they hoped today would be the day and they lived as though it would be.
Christ’s return is as imminent today as it was then. It could happen at any moment. And just as the disciples then determined to live their life expecting today to be the day, we must too.
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. – Titus 2:11-13 NLT
Jesus is coming back!
While we wait with hope, we must live differently. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We can stand out in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.
Jesus gave His life to save us, set us free, and transform us into His image. I don’t know about you, but when He returns, I want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
