“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 1:11
As followers of Jesus, this verse highlights three key truths that should completely change how we live every aspect of our lives. Jesus is alive. Jesus is currently ruling the universe from heaven. Jesus will return one day. That third truth was particularly emphasized to the disciples as they kept staring up toward heaven after Christ’s ascension.
As Christians, we must never forget that Jesus is presently ruling and reigning in heaven. That’s a tremendous comfort in dark and confusing times. However, we can’t live with our gaze permanently fixed toward heaven. Rather, we must live here on earth in the knowledge that we have important work to do as we eagerly anticipate the victorious return of Jesus. That was the underlying message delivered by the angels that day.
God has given us His Holy Spirit so that we will be witnesses to Jesus everywhere we go. Jesus has promised to be with us constantly as we make disciples. We are empowered and called to work for the advance of Christ’s Kingdom with urgency, because we know that one day, Jesus will return.
We don’t know if He’ll return today or thousands of years from now. But He will return and every follower of Jesus has critically important work to do between now and then. We’ve been given a mission and purpose for our lives and we need to work hard even as we long for the day when our Savior will return!