A joyful departure

Read > Luke 24:50-53

So they worshipped Him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy (v. 52).

Goodbyes are often sad occasions. But the farewell we read at the close of book of Luke is different and surprising. The disciples’ response to Jesus’ departure is the opposite of what we would expect. They could no longer see Jesus, yet they experienced great joy (Luke 24:52). How different from the last time they had been without Him! (23:27-28). What happened?

They had experienced two great miracles – they had seen the resurrected Jesus (vv. 36-43) and also had their minds opened to understand the Scriptures (vv. 45-49). They now saw that the journey Jesus began in Luke 9:51 had reached its goal. He had reached Jerusalem and fulfilled the purpose for which He came – suffering, dying, and rising again. Now it was time for Him to enter His glory (24:26). This wasn’t an occasion for sadness, but one of great joy. Clearly Jesus was the promised Christ and He now returned to heaven to rule the world. One day He would come back and take them to share His glory.

But, for now, He needed to go there alone. And they needed to wait for His gift of the Holy Spirit. Only then would they be prepared to embark on their exciting journey of taking Christ’s gospel message from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

It’s a journey every Christian is on. The road will end in glory, but the travelling is not easy. Following Jesus is costly (Luke 9:57-62). It involves sacrificing time, energy, body, money, and reputation for Jesus and His mission.

Many might consider such a sacrifice a waste of a life. The resurrection and ascension of Jesus tell us otherwise. Jesus is Lord. He is ruling the world today. His mission will be accomplished. Jesus is the future. Living for Him is not a waste, it is a wise decision that leads to great joy. – Paul Baxendale

More >

·         Acts 1:1-1

·         Romans 12:1

·         1 Cor. 15:55-58

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How can you show that you are living for Jesus today as He rules from heaven? What areas of your life still need to be surrendered to Christ’s lordship?