Daily Devotion
The Happy Ending
Created: Friday, 06 April 2018 17:16
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LUKE 24:50-53 ---
The ascension must always remain a mystery because it attempts to put into words what is beyond words and to describe what is beyond description. But that something should happen, was essential. It was unthinkable that the appearances of Jesus should grow fewer and fewer until finally they cannot be viewed. That would have effectively wrecked the faith of men. There had to come a day of dividing when the Jesus of earth finally became the Christ of Heaven. But to the disciples, the ascension was obviously three things.
(1) it was an ending-a final moment,the days when their faith was in a flesh-and- bloodperson and depended on His flesh and blood presence were over. Now, they were linked to someone who was forever independent of space and time. Equally, clearly, the end to that period had to be definite.
(2) equally, it was a beginning. The disciples did not leave the scene heart-broken; they left it with great joy, because now they knew that they had a Master from whom nothing could separate them anymore. Paul wrote to the Romans 8:38-39 "I am sure, that nothing-nothing in life or death---can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus."
(3) Further, the ascension gave the disciples the certainty that they had a FRIEND, NOT ONLY ON EARTH, BUT IN HEAVEN. Surely, it is the most precious thing of all to know that in heaven there awaits us that self-same Jesus who on earth was wondrously kind. To die is not to go out into the dark; it is to go to Him. So, they went back to Jerusalem, and they were continually in the Temple praising God. It is not by accident that Luke's gospel ends where it began-in the house of God!
Life Application: How are you preparing to meet Father and Son? Really, it is how we live on earth that prepares us for heaven. I have a longing to see Jesus and my Father. Follow the disciples'example, and watch what will happen.
Praise/Prayer: Dear Father, I can't think of going to Heaven and not remember the songs we used to sing;
"Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King; no more crying there;
we are going to see the King. No more dying there, we are going to see the King.
Another song, "In the Sweet By and by; Verse2:
"We shall sing on that beautiful shore the melodious songs of the blest,
and our Spirits shall sorrow no more, Not a sigh for the blessing of rest."
If you don't know them, sing the songs you know or just worship our King Eternal!
