The Way
Into the Cloud
A blessing and a promise left at his parting
Story
For forty days after he rose, Jesus appeared to the disciples many times and spoke to them about the kingdom of God. That day he led them out of the city and walked with them as far as the outskirts of Bethany. The disciples asked one last question. Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?
It is not for you to know the times or seasons the Father has set. But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. When he had finished speaking, he lifted up his hands and blessed them, and while he was blessing them, he was taken up into heaven. A cloud hid him, and they saw him no more.
As the disciples stood gazing up at the sky, two men dressed in white stood beside them. Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go. The disciples returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And every day they were in the temple, praising God.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
When the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will receive power. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
It is not for you to know the times or seasons the Father has set by his own authority.
Men of Galilee, why do you stand staring at the sky? This Jesus, taken from you into heaven, will come back just as you saw him go.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Lk 24:50–53 · Acts 1:6–11
Background
Acts says that after the Ascension the disciples returned from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's walk away. Bethany is a village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.
Pause and Reflect
As I wait for the day the Lord comes again, am I living faithfully where I am today?