THE ASCENSION AND HIS PROMISED RETURN

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES 

DAILY DEVOTIONAL  Pastor Chris Oyakhilome And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld,he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of theirsight (Acts 1:9). The ascension of Jesus is one subject that the Churchhasn’t emphasized enough around the world.We’ve talked a lot about His resurrection because it’s soimportant; in fact, the resurrection is the birth of Christianity.But His ascension is a most extraordinary thing that happenedafter His death. For the first time in human history, a manphysically ascended into the presence of God, letting us knowthat there’s life beyond this earth realm. He didn’t vanish or disappear. He levitated in hisglorified physical body. Up until then, His maternal siblingsdidn’t quite believe in Him. They heard Him preach and sawthe miracles He did, but one thing they couldn’t accept wasthe fact that He said, “I’m from above” (John 8:23). “Howcould that be, when He’s lived here with us, under the sameroof, these many years?” they must have wondered. But His ascension changed everything! It left no roomfor speculation as to His whereabouts. His disciples, Hismother and siblings were all there and watched Him as Helevitated and left this world. Before their very eyes, Jesus wentbeyond the clouds. It then dawned on them that the man theygrew up with was truly the Son of God. Hallelujah! Acts 1:10-11 says, while they looked stedfastlytoward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood bythem 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 manneras ye have seen him go into heaven.”Yes, indeed, one dayvery soon, the last Church service would have held, and allthat we’re doing today in preaching the Gospel will all beover: (Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is the hope of every Christian: our life with theLord in eternity. The Bible says, every man that hath thishope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure”(1 John 3:3). PRAYER. Precious Lord Jesus, You left us with a promise that you’ll come back to take us to be with You in eternity. What a day of joy and rejoicing that will be! Thank You for such blessed hope and consolation; I’m overwhelmed with joy as I contemplate the bliss that shall be mine when I shall see You face to face. Amen. FURTHER STUDY: 2 Timothy 4:8 KJV Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. John 14:3 KJV And if 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. Acts 1:10-11 AMPC. And while they were gazing intently into heaven as He went, behold, two men [dressed] in white robes suddenly stood beside them, Who said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into heaven? This same Jesus, Who was caught away and lifted up from among you into heaven, will return in [just] the same way in which you saw Him go into heaven. DAILY SCRIPTURE READING. 1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Thessalonians3:1-18, Jeremiah 3-4 2-Year Bible Reading Plan: John 6:30-40, 2 Kings 4 EXTRACT FROM: Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotional*http://bit.ly/2tpbRxC