SUNDAY August 21, 2022

The Promise of Jesus’ Return

And while they [the disciples] 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 1:10-11

When Jesus resurrected, He was among His disciples for forty days before ascending. In His time with them, He proved that He was the risen Messiah. He commanded them to wait for the Promise of the Holy Spirit. As He ascended, a declaration of His return was given through His angels. In fact, did you know that Jesus is going to return to the very same place he ascended––the Mount of Olives? Zechariah 14:4 tells us: ...in that day [the day of His return] His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east.

Some liberal theologians teach that Jesus has already come, that His Second Coming happened on the day of Pentecost. I would rather believe the promises of God’s Word. In context, in key Scripture passages, such as John 14-16, you understand the Holy Spirit will be given and Jesus will return.

“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).

When Jesus ascended, He did not leave His disciples alone. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, would come alongside to assist them. Jesus promised not to leave them as orphans (John 14:16-18).

At times I feel alone. I struggle and fail to have God’s peace and joy. I briefly lose that excitement about Jesus Christ as I wonder, Where, Jesus, have You gone? I feel frustrated because it has been too long. I confess to you! It is hard to see what is happening in this world, yet I continue to believe in Jesus’ return by faith.

The apostolic church thought more about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ than about death and heaven. The early Christians were looking, not for a cleft in the ground called the grave but for a cleavage in the sky called glory.
~Alexander Maclaren~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!