Departure, commission
and promise
Jesus had risen some forty days earlier,
in that time He had appeared to many who believed in Him.
Not only those who had followed Him during His ministry,
but it was reported that at the same time over five hundred people saw Him.
Now the time was right for Him to return to His Father.
and Jesus commissioned His followers giving to them clear instructions.
Then, we read, a cloud descended and He was taken up into heaven.
His disciples then returned to Jerusalem in compliance with His instructions.
Having returned to Jerusalem they were to await the coming of the Spirit.
The commission involved spreading the message throughout the world.
This commission is made for all believers, but He does not leave us powerless.
With God's Holy Spirit within us, we can reach out to the whole world.
In addition, as Jesus ascended, a wonderful promise was made.
'This Jesus, who you have seen leave will one day return'
The promise remains, when the time is right, He will come again.
Until He comes or calls us to be with Him for eternity we await His return.
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