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 1:10-11
As I write this devotion it is Friday morning and there is much looking forward to lunchtime where we will hear from Mark Drakeford about the relaxation of the Covid-19 restrictions in Wales. What will come? I am aware that you are reading the devotion after the announcement, so there is no point in making too many guesses!
I have to admit that one of the things I’m most looking forward to doing when I’m allowed, is seeing people face to face. It will be lovely to go for a walk with, or welcome family and friends to the house after the long time without them. Zoom is great, but there is nothing better than being face to face with a person. I wonder which friend will call first?
These verses remind us that we have someone else to look forward to seeing. Unlike the current situation where we have some kind of warning before a person comes to see us, the Bible says we don’t know when Jesus will return. But we can be sure that it is going to happen.
Imagine that day! If he comes before we are called home, we shall see our king come upon the clouds. We will look at his face and stare into those wonderful eyes that have been watching us since birth. We’ll see the hands nailed for us and hear the voice that cried ‘Finished’ on the cross. I’m sure the tears will flow from joy as we realise that we are finally at home with him after the long journey.
At the start of another working week it is good to be reminded that Jesus could return this week. Let us be expectant, let’s reflect on our Saviour and let’s pray and share the message with our family, friends and neighbours knowing that it will be a terrible thing to face Jesus having not bowed to him in this life through faith.
Steffan Job (Capel y Ffynnon, Bangor)