He Will Return As they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 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 1:9-11) Friday, Sixth Week of Easter Father, may we always give you thanks for raising Christ our Lord to glory, because we are his people and share the salvation he won, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Dear friends, While the disciples stood gazing up into heaven trying to see another glimpse of Jesus as he left earth for heaven, two “men” stood with them. Who are these men? Scripture is filled with angelic visitors who at times appear as men in white robes. They appear and disappear at will. They speak words that we can understand; words of warning and words of promise. These spokesmen for God communicate messages that are important for us to hear. The message they gave on the day of Ascension: “This Jesus…will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Jesus is coming back! Visibly! God’s word is clear, Jesus will return in glory, on the day of God’s choosing, at the end of time, on the Day of the LORD. The Day of the LORD is a glorious day of judgment and salvation. On that day, Jesus will welcome those who trust in him into the glory of heaven, and He will grant to others the consequences of their decisions to choose the path of destruction, rather than grace. It will truly be a day of great joy for some, and a day of fear and trepidation for others. In addition to the revelation of Jesus return, the “men” gave a gentle chiding to the disciples that day. “Why are you continuing to look up to heaven?” It was a reminder…there was work to do before that day. They needed power from on high in order to do it. As things begin to open up in our region, what activities is God calling you to do with his power and strength? Longing for Christ’s return,
Pastor Langdon Reinke P.S. Hope you and your family are healthy and safe. We are in this together. We have help available if there are needs. Please let us know. | 
