Ascension - Day 04
Day 04: Thursday, April 13
Read Acts 1:1-11; Revelation 19:1-16
Highlight
Another aspect of the Ascension is that the way in which Jesus departed indicates how he will return: bodily, in power and authority. He was going to heaven to rule and would come back to finalize that rule forever.
The “cloud” that is mentioned in verse 9 seems mundane at first, but the cloud is probably not referring to a collection of water molecules. In Jewish history (and in Jesus’ own life!) there was a cloud that held massive significance. The Hebrew term was shekinah and it referred to the visible manifestation of God’s divine presence and glory. This cloud hovered about the tabernacle when the Jews were wandering the wilderness. It dwelt behind the curtain in the Temple in the Holy of Holies. It also enveloped Jesus during the Transfiguration in Mark 9. The cloud that enveloped Jesus here represents the presence, glory, and approval of the Father.
This divine cloud is what we should picture when John says he saw “heaven opened” in Revelation 19:11. Jesus ascended in glory and he will return the same. “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you
Read Acts 1:1-11; Revelation 19:1-16
Highlight
Another aspect of the Ascension is that the way in which Jesus departed indicates how he will return: bodily, in power and authority. He was going to heaven to rule and would come back to finalize that rule forever.
The “cloud” that is mentioned in verse 9 seems mundane at first, but the cloud is probably not referring to a collection of water molecules. In Jewish history (and in Jesus’ own life!) there was a cloud that held massive significance. The Hebrew term was shekinah and it referred to the visible manifestation of God’s divine presence and glory. This cloud hovered about the tabernacle when the Jews were wandering the wilderness. It dwelt behind the curtain in the Temple in the Holy of Holies. It also enveloped Jesus during the Transfiguration in Mark 9. The cloud that enveloped Jesus here represents the presence, glory, and approval of the Father.
This divine cloud is what we should picture when John says he saw “heaven opened” in Revelation 19:11. Jesus ascended in glory and he will return the same. “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20)
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
- What in this passage did the Spirit bring to light for you?
- What are you going to do in your life to respond to this passage?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you
Posted in Easter 2023