“And when He had spoken these things, while they beheld, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white (light) apparel, who also said, ‘You men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into heaven? This same Jesus, which is take up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven.’” – Acts 1:9
Today is Ascension Day on the Biblical calendar. The Bible uses the word “received” to describe Jesus’ ascension, implying there were those waiting in the clouds to welcome and escort Him Home.
But we can’t remember Jesus’ ascension without remembering His promise to return for us. For us these are wedding words, the words of a Bridegroom to His Bride… “I will come back again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3). This same word was used when God told Joseph, “Fear not to take to yourself Mary your wife… so Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took to himself His wife” (Matthew 1:20,21). For Mary, this was in perfect keeping with the Jewish tradition of a surprise wedding day.
To be a wedding, there must be mutual “I Do’s.” The Bible says, “As many as received Him (Jesus), to them He gave the power to become the children of God, even to those who believe on His name” (John 1:12). It is only those who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior here on earth who will know the joy of being received up to share His glory.
Keep your lamps burning. Our Ascension Day is very near. Maranatha!
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