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But to each one of us, the grace was given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Therefore, he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts to people.”
Ephesians 4:7-8
At the end of today’s devotion, I’ll leave you with a wonderful promise about the second coming of Jesus. Many of you may remember it.
The disciples and other devoted followers of Jesus had spent three years knowing and loving the Lord Jesus. Many of them had faltering faith at times, but many endured until Calvary.
Even steadfast followers hadn’t fully understood the divinity of Jesus, but their faith had begun to grow. Matthew 16:16)
Calvary had left them confused and grieved. But Jesus didn’t just leave them. Instead, after the resurrection, He stayed with them for forty days. He renewed their faith and strengthened their resolve. He prepared them for their mission.
Many wonderful events occurred on Ascension Day.
When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:9
So, what good could come from Jesus’ departure?
Well, for one thing, without the ascension, many promises from God would not have been kept. God keeps every promise!
Do you know there is a date on the Christian calendar known as Ascension Day?
Committed believers should celebrate this day with great joy, just as we celebrate Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Ascension Day should always be remembered for many reasons. Here are a few:
- Ascension Day was the official end of Christ’s work on Earth.
- Because He ascended the Holy Spirit has come to live in our hearts.
- Ascension Day would not have happened if even one step in God’s plan had not been fulfilled by Christ.
- When Jesus ascended back to Heaven, all of His former glory was restored
- The Father exalted Him to His rightful place (Ephesians 1:20-23)
- The Father honored Him (Matthew 17:5) (Philippians 2:9)
- Jesus began to prepare our Heavenly Home (John 14:2)
- Jesus assumed the role as our High Priest where He intercedes for us (Hebrews 4:4-16 and Hebrews 9:15)
- If He had not ascended, He would not return to set up His earthly kingdom. (Acts 1:11) (Daniel 7:13 & 14) (Matthew 24:30) (Revelation 1:7)
Now, don’t forget to read the Scriptures about everything that happened before Ascension Day.
Jesus spent forty days seeing, touching and talking to His followers. And it wasn’t just the eleven disciples that Jesus spent time with.
What a loving Lord, to have stuck around to encourage this band of believers.
- He witnessed to His half brother, James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
- He ministered to His disciples (Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–23)
- He drew Thomas away from doubt and sorrow. (John 20:26-29)
- He comforted the women, many of whom had their own role to play in His Church. (John 21:25, 1 Corinthians 15:6)
- He encouraged two close followers as they journeyed from Jerusalem to Emmaus the day after the resurrection. (Luke 24)
- He appeared to 500 more people (1 Corinthians 15:6)
You see, Jesus spent all of that time giving of Himself not only to encourage His loved ones back then, but He also did that for you and me. We have the amazing testimonies of those who followed Him as Lord.
This series identifies Jesus as Lord in the book of Acts over 90 times. If you are born again, He is more than a teacher and example—He should be Lord of your life. Obey Him and love the Lord, Jesus.
This week’s devotion finds that Jesus is referred to as Lord, in Acts 1: 6, 21, and 24.
Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?”
Acts 1:6
Read Acts 1:7-8 to see how Jesus answered them.
In Acts 1:21-24 the disciples talk about how to fill the place of Judas.
You can read about the man they chose, and you will see Jesus referred to as Lord.
Now, here is the promise that I mentioned in the opening.
When Jesus comes back to Earth, after the Tribulation, He will stand in the same place from which He ascended, The Mount of Olives. (Acts 1:9-11) This was prophesied by Zechariah.
His feet will stand in that day on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, making a very great valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Zechariah 14:4
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
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