Title: Faith in the Promise
Contents
Faith in the Promise (Acts 1:9-11)
After Jesus finished all the words to his disciples as if they were a will, he was taken up to heaven from their sight. The disciples were going to see Jesus ascending into heaven, but when the clouds obscured Him, they could not see Him, so the disciples looked closely at the sky. Then two men (angels) in white robes (Luke 24:1-6) stood by them and said, Men of Galilee, why are you looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was taken up from among you into heaven, said, Come in the same way you saw him go into heaven. Then why does Jesus ascend to heaven? Why did the disciples look to the sky? What do the angels mean? How can the disciples be able to live their lives as true disciples of Jesus?
1. Ascension of Jesus
The ascension of Jesus is a work promised by God and is for the completion of Jesus' work. And to come again in glory. The reason Jesus was taken up to heaven is, first, to complete the atonement for the redemption of all mankind. Jesus entered into the heavenly sanctuary and accomplished eternal redemption with His blood (Hebrews 9:12), and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 10:12). Second, he is always alive to offer intercessory prayers for the complete salvation of those who believe (Hebrews 7:25). Third, to send the promised Holy Spirit (John 15:26; Acts 2:33). When Jesus goes, he wants to send another Counselor, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7). Fourth, to come again in glory. He went to heaven to prepare an eternal home (John 14:2), and when the time is fulfilled, He went to come again to completely save those who have nothing to do with sin (Hebrews 9:27).
2. Attitudes of the disciples
The disciples who had been together for three years after receiving the call of Jesus must be very heartbroken when Jesus ascended to heaven. During their time with Jesus, the things they hoped for, such as the joy of learning the truth of the kingdom, the expectation that dreams would come true by seeing miracles and miracles through Jesus, and the pride in the field that many people follow, must have collapsed in an instant. is. This is because it has ended up being like ‘looking at the roof of a dog chasing chickens’. The disciples looked up to the sky, but the clouds were covering them so they could not see Jesus. Now, the disciples are not only looking at the sky, although they are troubled at the thought that they will never see Jesus go to heaven again (John 14:1). You must pray to receive the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised. This is because the words Jesus promised are the words of a will (Acts 1:4-5).
3. The evidence of angels
Two men in white robes next to them say to them. ‘Why are you standing and looking at the sky?’ These two men also said when Jesus’ followers came to Jesus’ tomb after he was resurrected from the tomb. “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spoke to you while he was in Galilee” (Luke 23:4-6). In view of this, what is the meaning of the words we are trying to convey through these angels? Isn't this saying that we should not only look to the sky, but believe the word Jesus promised, prepare for the day that Jesus comes again, and receive the Holy Spirit and become a witness (Acts 1:8). Through the words of the angels that Jesus will come in the same way as you saw Him go to heaven, you should no longer look only to heaven, but preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth with the promised power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 11:26). Right faith is putting into practice the words of Jesus Christ (James 1:25). This is truly welcoming Jesus who will come again.
To meditate on the Word and share
1. Why did Jesus ascend to heaven?
2. What attitude and attitude should the disciples have?
3. How do you lead a right life of faith?