Departure And Return

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven. 

Acts 1:9-11 

The Scripture abounds with comments regarding the return of Christ. Whether we consider His Own statements such as we find in John 14, or take note of Paul’s refrain in I Thessalonians, there is a plethora of statements all of which indicate that Christ will return. As Luke begins to record the Acts of the Apostles, he narrates the story of Christ’s ascension. This occurred on the Mount of Olives just outside of Jerusalem. Our text records the particulars of the event. What is specifically worthy of our consideration is what the two angels communicate to the disciples about the ascension as it relates to the return of Christ. Their first point is that Jesus will return personally. They say ‘this Jesus’ or as some translations put it, ‘this same Jesus.’ Their intention is to underscore that Christ will return in person. Their second point is that Christ’s return will be ‘in the same manner.’ As He ascended, so He will descend. His return will be visible. What they do not specifically emphasize, but we know from the prophet Zechariah is that Christ will return to the Mount of Olives, ‘And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south.’ These are exact details about Christ’s return. The messengers relate them in matter-of-fact terms. This is one of the great expectations of the faith. Jesus is indeed coming again. ‘Even so, come, Lord Jesus.’ 

Great God of Wonders, 
we rejoice that Jesus is coming again. 
We look forward to the dawn of that great day.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning