Going away

They worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. – Luke 24:52

It was the most unusual "going-away party" ever. There stood Jesus, who had recently risen from the grave. And there stood His followers, listening to His teaching as they had on so many occasions. Jesus spoke about the coming of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49), and He told them that it would be their task to be His witnesses.

Then an unusual thing happened. Luke said that Jesus led His disciples to Bethany (v. 50), and as He was blessing them He was "carried up into heaven" (v. 51). Mark recorded, "He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God" (16:19).

To see Jesus ascend to heaven was amazing, but what happened next was also remarkable. Instead of being downcast because He had gone away, the disciples responded with renewed purpose. They worshipped Him (Luke 24:52). They joyfully returned to Jerusalem, where they prayed (Acts 1:12-14). Then, after receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), they went out and preached everywhere (Mark 16:20).

Although Jesus has gone away, the Holy Spirit makes real to us His presence so that we too can worship, pray, and witness as His disciples did centuries ago. These are still the best ways to celebrate what Jesus has done for us: Worship. Prayer. Witness. – J. David Branon

Jesus conquered death and fear;

Now He reigns from heaven above.

Spread the word both far and near

Of His great redeeming love. – Dennis J. De Haan

READ: Luke 24:36-53

Jesus had to go away so the Holy Spirit could come to stay.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Kings 7-9

• John 1:1-28