“6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”
7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:6-11 NLT
My heart breaks every time I read that last sentence. Jesus will one day return, and I know that I am not worthy to stand before him. When I am judged, I know I will be found guilty. And that frightens me.
But I also know that I have an advocate with the Father in Jesus. He died on the cross, paying the penalty for my sins and yours. So when I read that same sentence, Jesus’ return should fill my heart with joy, but I express my joy in fear and trembling. Like the apostles in verse six, I am anxious for His return.
Prayer
Father, glory and honor to your forever. Help me to show honor to you in my life. When we look up at the clouds, remind us that one day Jesus will return the same way He left, and that we should be ready. Until then, let me be a courageous witness to your coming kingdom.