Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Acts 1:11 "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."
WHY STAND AND GAZE UPON THE SKY?
It is well known that looking at the calendar and counting the days until some great event will only make the time seem longer. "A watched pot never boils." But if we are busy, either with everyday activities or getting ready for the event, the time will fly, and suddenly the day will be upon us. And when the day is upon us, and we are busy with the event of the moment, that moment will fly. Soon it is behind us, then seems like yesterday although it was long ago.
When Peter saw Jesus in splendor talking with Moses and Elijah, he wanted time to stand still. But that was not to be. There was work to do, an exodus to accomplish -- an exodus from sin, death, and the devil. This was not the time to get sidetracked.
So also when Jesus ascended in majesty. Our gazing into the heavens will not speed the time of His return. We can safely leave that event to Him.
In the meantime, He has given us plenty to do. There are children who need a cup of cold water in His name. There are poor ones who need the good news which we have been given. There are captives who need the freedom which we enjoy. There are blind ones to whom He will give sight through us. Rejoice that He has given us much to do as we await His return!
To whom the angels, drawing nigh,
"Why stand and gaze upon the sky?
This is the Savior," thus they say;
"This is His noble triumph-day." Alleluia!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 212:3)
