In my last commentary on July 27, Jesus had been resurrected and on earth 40 days and at this point was speaking to the disciples. Look what happens in verse 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Jesus had just instructed (verse 8) his disciples to witness to people of all natins about him. BUT, they were told to wait first for the Holy Spirit. God had important work for them to do but to be led by the Holy Spirit.
Now comes an important item--it was important that the disciples see Jesus taken up into heaven. This removed any doubt of the men that Jesus was the son of the living GOD. They stood gazing into the heavens when: 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
This would be a shocker- having 2 men in white apparel suddenly appear. What were they? Obviously angels. And then what happened?
11 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.
These men in white, ANGELS, were telling the disciples that the way Jesus was taken up into heaven would be the same way HE will one day return. How is that? In a physical body and being visible. This also tells us we need to be ready for Jesus Christ's return and not just gazing into the heavens (1 Thesalonians 5:2)
Then they return to Jerusalem from the Mount Olivet where they went into an upper room. These men were with Jesus, followed his teachings, but may not have totally believed HE was the Messiah, UNTIL, he was taken up and then the 2 angels appeared. This obviously confirmed their belief and made them more zealous for Christ.
In the upper room they remained as Jesus instructed them, awaiting the Holy Spirit. They joined in prayer. So often we think of just the disciples being in the upper room, however, here is what the Bible says:
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
Okay, going to stop here. This was the original and first church business meeting. Tomorrow will be the words from Peter about Judas' falling and selecting another. Acts 1:16-26.
Thank you for reading today. The lesson to be learned here is to always be in prayer about what to do; quit gazing toward heaven and get to GOD's work for us here on earth - spreading the gospel near and far. Be obedient. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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