It had been 40 days now since that weekend of drama. That unforgettable Sunday. You had seen Jesus appear twice since then. And now he stands before you a third time. But you seem to understand it to be the last.
As you walk up the mountain near Bethany with all the other disciples, everyone is listening to his further instruction about the kingdom of God. His favorite topic. He tells you all to remain in Jerusalem. That you will receive power. That you will need to be his witnesses. In the city. In the countryside. And to all the nations.
One of your friends asks a question that is still lurking in the back of everyone's mind. The question of his kingship. Was that not what Jesus was building up to anyway? So, it is asked, "Is now the time when you will restore the kingdom of Israel?"
Jesus has something different in mind.
For the first time, you start to realize what is happening. Jesus wants you to go and do the very same things that he has been doing. He wants you to be his laborer. You and Peter make eye contact. You both realize what Jesus was saying when he told Peter to "Feed my sheep".
After a few final exhortations, Jesus begins to lift up off the ground. It was as if heaven itself was drawing him up into the air. Everyone stands speechless. Awestruck by what is happening. There seems to be a certain peace among all of you. You stare into the sky in silence.
You are suddenly startled out of your trance by two men dressed in white robes who shock you with their sudden presence. They tell you that Jesus will eventually return in the same way he has just departed. You had heard Jesus say they same thing awhile back.
-------
Not longer after, the day comes when you feel the presence of Jesus return to you in a way like you never felt before. It was the day you celebrated Penecost. And being filled with the Holy Spirit, you felt Jesus by your side once again. And the wave of energy that came from this indwelling has now propelled you into the impossible.
Your life will never be the same.
And so you devote yourself to carrying on the work of your Jesus. Because you desire everyone else to taste and see the very things that you had when you walked with Jesus. The very things you have now as you feel Jesus continue his work in you.
You are a fully devoted follower of Jesus of Nazareth.
The Christ.
The Son of God.
Your Lord. Your Master.
You have no clue what wild turns may come to you in the future. But nothing else really matters now. Where could you possibly go? What adventure could be greater?
Your eyes have seen the face of God.
You are forever his.














Recent Comments