Thursday is Ascension Day. When I was a little boy our school trooped off to church for an early morning service then we had the rest of the day off! So I loved Ascension Day!

At Christmas we celebrate Jesus leaving heaven and coming down to earth. On Good Friday we think of Him dying for our sins. On Easter Sunday we rejoice that He rose from the dead. Then on Ascension Day we remember Him returning to heaven and thus completing the cycle. But this is not the end of the story!

After His resurrection Jesus was seen in various places for 40 days then he led His disciples up the Mount of Olives. It was here as He was blessing them that they became aware that His feet were not on the ground! As they watched He was taken up and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Suddenly two men stood by them in white clothing who said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven.” [ Acts 1:9-11 ]

These last words describe the apocalyptic event foretold in Revelation which says, “Behold, He is coming with clouds and every eye will see Him.” [ Revelation 1:7 ] The signs of the times indicate that, “The whole creation groans and labours with birth-pangs.” [ Romans 8:22-23 ] Christ’s second coming is certain! All nations will be gathered before him and He will separate them as sheep from goats. He will say to those on His right hand, “Come ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you” – But to those on His left He will say, “Depart from Me, you cursed!” Do make sure you’re ready!