As Christians we make much of Jesus’ efficacious death through crucifixion, and we make much of His resurrection from the grave, and certainly we should. After-all, "If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain." (1 Cor. 15:13)
However, a MAJOR moment in the life of Christ that’s often overlooked is His ascension. (Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11)
Remember that Christ’s ascension is His coronation, His exaltation, His enthronement. It's a BIG deal! It signifies mission accomplished and job well done. At His ascension, Jesus is once again seated at the right hand of God the Father and His enemies become His footstool.
On the day that Jesus ascended two very important promises were made. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come, and indeed He did powerfully in Acts 2. Praise God for the pouring out of His Spirit! (Acts 2:17)
Secondly, one of the angels promised that Jesus would return in the same way that He was received up into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
Jesus could return today! Are you eagerly awaiting His return?
Jesus said in John 14:3, “I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
If a Christian is actually eagerly awaiting Christ's return, two things will be true about him. First, he will be personally pursuing holiness. After-all, the Master could be here any minute and His servants don't want to be involved in things that displease their Master. Secondly, a Christian who believes that Jesus is coming again will be evangelistic; faithfully telling others the good news of Jesus.
The ascension is important because it's about Jesus. He served the purpose of His Father to offer redemption to the world and the ascension says, "mission accomplished!" But it's also important because it is a reminder that Jesus is coming again! As Christians, we say with John the revelator, “even so Lord Jesus come quickly!”
This devotion was written by Pastor James C. Johnson. These devotionals are being published throughout this pandemic in an effort to further strengthen the faith of our NorthStone church family. Feel free to comment below to offer your feedback about today's devotion.
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