22.183 | Why Do You Stand Looking Into Heaven? | Acts 1:9-11 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Acts 1:9-11 ESV

9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

WHY DO YOU STAND LOOKING INTO HEAVEN?

The disciples and their company at Mt. Olives saw Jesus lifted up and disappeared into the clouds. The cloud has significant meaning in the bible, especially about God’s dealings with Israel. The pillar of cloud led the Israelites through the wilderness (Ex 13:21). When the Jews camped at Mt. Sinai, God covered the mountain in cloud and smoke to show the people the authority He was giving Moses (Ex 19:9, 16–18). When Solomon brought the ark of the covenant into the new temple, God filled the whole building with a cloud of His glory so thick the priests had to flee (1 Kings 8:10–11). In the New Testament, God showed to Peter, James, and John the glory of Jesus during the transfiguration, wherein He spoke to them from a cloud (Mark 9:7). And when Jesus will return someday, during the rapture (1 Thess 4:16–17) and the second coming (Rev 1:7), He will come with clouds. All such cases illustrate the ‘shekinah glory of God, His glorious dwelling with His people. God's glory is so great we can only experience it if it is veiled as if covered by clouds. Soon, according to Paul, we will see God clearly (2 Cor 3:12–18).

The sight of Jesus’ ascension must have been very captivating that stunned the disciples. They stared unto heaven for awhile. Thus, the angels said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

They were always hoping that this kingdom eventually be realized which included an Israel freed from Roman rule and the twelve thrones for the twelve apostles set up (Luke 22:30). Their hope now rises into the sky with Jesus. Their expectations were not met as yet.

God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.[Isa 55:8,9] The kingdom will surely be realized but not so soon. Jesus had warned them that hardships will come. But, they should be of good cheer for He overcomes the world. [John 16:33] The same Jesus they saw who went up into heaven will come again. Thus, we should be ‘waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.’ In what ways? By living a pure life as His redeemed people zealous for good works. [Titus 2:13,14]

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