Final Encounter

I frequently travel, so I am regularly around airports. For me, it is a common occurrence to see farewells: tears, hugging, lingering looks, sadness. Saying goodbye to someone you love can be tough. Yet when Jesus departed from his disciples, they were joyful (52-53). Such a surprising reaction may have occurred because they were beginning to comprehend how things were falling into place.

This passage highlights Jesus’ bodily departure to heaven. The Risen Lord had “presented Himself alive” to many eyewitnesses “during forty days” (Acts 1:3). At the end of that period he appeared for the last time. In Jerusalem, on the Mount of Olives, he lifted up His hands, blessed them (50-53) and was taken from them. This clearly ended his earthly ministry. The post-resurrection appearances had been intermittent but this departure was decisive, indicating they were to wait and prepare for the coming of the promised Holy Spirit (John 16:5-16). The Spirit would indwell and empower them for witness.

The Ascension exalted Christ to the right hand of the Father where he now reigns as Lord of the Cosmos. As R.C. Sproul says, “…Jesus ascended not so much to a place as to an office… the cosmic King of the universe… the ascension catapulted Jesus to the right hand of God where he was enthroned as King of kings and Lord of lords” (See Eph. 1:20-25). He’s now our great High Priest interceding on our behalf (Heb. 7:24, 8:2).

As we cooperate with the same Holy Spirit who indwells us, he guides, transforms and equips as we endeavor to be God’s servants in the world. And we are encouraged by the hope that the same Jesus who ascended to heaven will one day return “in like manner” (Acts 1:11). That’s the final encounter we are all longing for, because it will never end.

Close your eyes and imagine Jesus descending from the clouds into your day-to-day world. How does that influence the way you approach this day?