And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke 24:50-53 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 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. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 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.” Acts 1:8-11 (ESV)
The disciples looked up as a cloud lifted Jesus into heaven. Astonished? Dazed? The captivated audience gazed on. What a splendid sight, and yet their Friend was gone. Now what?
Yes, Scripture reveals Jesus departed earth in a cloud, the cloud of God’s glory. Probably a moment of remarkable splendor, Jesus ascended into heaven where He was confirmed the King of Kings and our great High Priest who intercedes for us. Returning to heaven in all His glory signified Jesus’ authority over the universe.
Left behind, did the disciples feel the pain of separation? Three years with a constant companion builds a powerful relationship. Were they feeling abandoned or hopeful?
Luke, the writer of the books of Luke and Acts, chronicled Jesus’ ascension. As Jesus was carried away on a candescent cloud, the disciples watched and worshiped. Then two supernatural messengers jolted them back to reality, declaring He would return the same way He left. Holding onto this promise, the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy!
With great joy? Really? I’ve experienced the pain of separation, and it hurts. My family and I have moved several times, leaving behind cherished friends. Instead of being joyful, I cried many tears. And yet during two different moves, a friend from each region encouraged me with the same song, written by Michael W. Smith. It’s a song of hope stating “Friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them.” The assurance from this song helped me realize the friendship we shared with God and each other. It allowed me to experience joy and put my trust in God’s plan for our lives.
Witnessing Jesus’ miracles and listening to His teachings increased the faith of the disciples. But the trauma of His crucifixion, death, and burial raised doubt until His resurrection. During the following weeks, Jesus appeared again and again to His disciples, reassuring them of His faithful presence.
After the ascension, Jesus’ disciples faithfully waited in Jerusalem for Holy Spirit power from God. Were they recalling words Jesus had spoken while on earth? Several times before His crucifixion He had talked about sending a Helper. Maybe, in the waiting, they remembered Jesus’ promises.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 (ESV)
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27 (ESV)
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7 (ESV)
“John baptized you with water,” he reminded them, “but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit in just a few days.” Acts 1:5 (TLB)
So the disciples waited and as promised, it happened at Pentecost (Acts 2). They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Crowds gathered. Peter preached about Jesus and His teachings, His death, resurrection, ascension, and Holy Spirit power. Three thousand people were saved that day. Witnesses experienced a mighty God who does what He says He will do.
Have you ever waited for God’s promises to be fulfilled? If you’re not clinging to the Word of God, doubt will attack your joy and certainty. Relying on the Helper through the words of Jesus Christ confirms God’s faithfulness and gives hope.
Remember—Jesus left earth on a cloud and will return the same way. So, like the disciples, look up and gaze into heaven. As Psalm 19 states, “the heavens declare the glory of God.”
When you look up, notice those clouds that represented God’s presence throughout Biblical history. See His glory and feel His presence. Put your trust in Him and know He is faithful to fulfill His promises.