Wednesday, June 8, 2011
ASCENDED ... AND SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD
When we are told that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, we may get the idea that He isn't doing anything, but rather lounging about like some like to do on Sunday afternoon. This is simply not the case.
First of all, Jesus is the Son of God and as God He doesn't need a rest, He doesn't need to regain His energies because they never run out.
Secondly, Jesus didn't ascend into heaven to take time off or to leave us to see if we could fend for ourselves. Jesus is still working for us. In fact, the Lord tells us exactly what He's doing for us (John 14:1-4): "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ... where I go you know, and the way you know."
Jesus wants us to know that He's gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us, a permanent place for us in heaven. He has promised us that we will be received to Him and will live with Him. Jesus ascended for us and will come back again for us.
So Jesus' ascension should comfort us, because Jesus has not left us forever, but has only gone away for a time. He will come again to take us with Him according to His promise (John 14:18): "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you."
