"Jesus Left, But He Left"
- Acts 1:9 - 11 -
Friend, I don’t know about you, but when I read God’s Word, I do my best to put myself right in the scene of what I am reading. And after reading, I really analyze just what I read and what the story was about. Have I told you that I really love God’s word. Well just in case I just told you.
From our scripture verse today we see that Jesus has just ascended into the sky, up to his home in heaven. It reads: "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 stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel: Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven".
The resurrection had happened (40) days prior to this great day. So, stop and consider with me if you will. His followers spent some 3 1/2 years with the Teacher, Prophet, and Messiah. They saw their Lord, Savior and dearest friend crucified on that ole rugged cross. For (3) days their world came to an end so they thought as the devil poured misinformation in the form of lies into their hearts and minds. Then on that "great gettin’ up mornin", their Answer came out of the stone covered tomb to stand in their presence. Numb with mixed emotions of joy, doubt, and no doubt fear, they are now comforted for a time while he walked and talked with them again on this planet with his glorified body being seen of hundreds (I Cor. 15:3-8)..
Now as the Hero of Heaven blasts off, their emotions are tested once again. Once dead, now alive. Treading the sod of earth, now flying through space. Unbelievable for sure. Are you there??? I just can’t imagine. But on a side note surfers, this is a foretaste of the believers lift off just any time now...amen??? For sure though, seeing Jesus go to the Father must have been amazing.
But wait, those men in white said he would return, right??? Good. We’ll just go home get some much needed rest and he’ll be back by breakfast, right??? No friend, so far it’s been around 1,970 or so years and he’s not came back yet. But it won’t be long...amen.
So, he’s left, but he left. Now, the disciples, families, and friends walk away from the Mount of Olives on their way home. Some crying, some shaking their heads, some still gazing off into the clouds. As the night falls, they lay in their beds for hours remembering, reminiscing, tears of missing their Man of Hope, their Man of Love. No one ever touched them like he did or ever will. My goodness what a long night this must have been. But morning comes, it always does. And this particular morning I just know the Father has made special. His Son is home again, and the reunion they must have had (it’s still probably going on), well that’s another message. But I know he didn’t forget about his children back on earth. Let me try to describe what I think this day might have been like. The sun rises with out a cloud in the sky. There is a fresh breeze that is so refreshing it cleanses your being. The birds seem to be singing out a new and special song. One that you’ve not heard before. Everyone rises from there beds, not weary but with a renewed overwhelming sense of confidence and calm. As the day ticks by their spirits are quickened to a new level of them needing to be about the Father’s business.
It’s probably a Saturday so people are out and about, in the streets, in the marketplace. Later on that day the believers get together and begin to go back over what the Master had instructed them to do. For those 3 1/2 years he told us so much, he did so much, he loved so much. They remember he said that he did have to go, to prepare us a place. Their minds go back to how he treated his fellow man, even at the times they didn’t much care for his "way". He also said to wait a little while for a promise of the Holy Ghost just before he left, so let’s get to church and get to praying. How could they forget his love, my goodness what love. Never too busy, always available. And doing the supernatural all the time, that was just the way of life for the King, they say. Peter told of his experiences, John and James the same. The ladies had their stories. On and on they talked, no doubt gaining a purpose of pursuit of Him that never had before. It was time, their time that he talked about would come.
So, he had to leave, but what did he leave??? How about a list??? Promises, hope, examples, work to do. A church to start and evangelize his world. Lessons of life they would never forget. He left once deaf people who now hear. Lame that now walk with their grand kids. He left ones now seeing who were blind. Lives of men, women, boys and girls that would never be the same. But most of all he left folks now saved, who once were lost but now are found...amen. He left an impression, a mark on this spinning globe that will never end, never.
Friend, just a little over (18) years ago he came into my life and has never left. He is my all and all. If he is not yours, I don’t for a minute want you to be "left" alone without him. Do not leave this website without making a decision to make Jesus your Lord and Savior. I challenge you...amen.
In closing let us pray for you my friend, Father, in Jesus name, bless these who have read c42day. Lord, let this message penetrate their hearts and realize their need for you. You have a plan and destiny for their lives. It’s my and I know your desire Lord that they have been challenged to change their life. For sure they have been challenged2Bchanged. In Jesus Name....Amen
God Bless,
Mike & Carole
