We’ve been sourced with the promised Holy Spirit—our power source for life and ministry. We are walking on the roadmap for life, to the ends of the Earth, in the fullness of all Jesus promised us. But the most beautiful promise we fix our eyes on is this: “‘This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven (Acts 1:11b).’” He’s coming back for His Bride! And it is unto this end that the reason for our perseverance in the gospel and our cry for revival finds its focus.
Jesus was taken up in a cloud that is understood to be a Shekinah glory of God’s presence. We see it in both the Old and New Testaments. He did not disappear before the disciples, but they were able to see Him standing with them and then go away like He said He would do (Acts 1:7-9). This was to fulfill His words in John 16:7, ESV: “‘Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.’” Jesus wanted His followers to know this was the departure they had been waiting for!
Two angels in white stood beside these onlookers, redirecting their gaze to the obedience of their hearts, asking them why they were just standing there. It was time to return to Jerusalem like Jesus had commanded them to do (Acts 1:10-11). These ones had a sure directive—the ends of the Earth—but they stood there pondering and looking into the sky. It was time for their radical obedience as the Spirit was on His way now that Jesus had gone. It was time to go!
This same Jesus—who was the same throughout the gospels; unchanging in His promise and power; faithful to His word; the same yesterday, today, and forever—was now seated at the right hand of the Father! And when the Father will tell His Son that it is time to go and get His Bride, He will come back for us. But first, these followers of Jesus had to receive all they needed through the Spirit of Christ, who longed to now reside inside of them.
The angels told them, “‘This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”
I have set my sights on this reality. It is not so I can sit back and put my feet up and wait to be rescued. The gospel will be preached throughout the world during the tribulation. There are three main ways Revelation points to the expansion of the gospel: the 144,000 witnesses, the two witnesses (prophets), and the angels that circle the globe. But for those of us awaiting the rapture of the Church, it is with urgency that we share the gospel so that those we love will not be left behind to endure the seven-year tribulation period. It is my desire and prayer that I tell as many people as possible, in as many nations as possible, of the salvation of Jesus.
“The disciples didn’t know how long it would be before He would return, but they lived as if it was imminent. Again, that word means that He could come at any time. So, after a Holy Spirit boost at Pentecost, these men jumped fully into their roles as spreaders of the gospel. For all but one of them, it would cost their lives—a price they willingly paid.
“What was so different about them that they could be that gung-ho about spreading Jesus’ message of salvation? Was it that they had seen the Lord? That may be part of it. But there are plenty of examples of believers who have given their lives for the gospel who never laid their physical eyes on the Savior. … Remember, they were just a bunch of fishermen, blue-collar workers, and a tax collector. What made the difference for them is that they committed to carrying out the mission of Christ no matter the cost. How can we, living in this world of contradiction, also keep our eyes on the eternal rather than the temporal? The answer to that question is where we find the ‘So what?’ of what appears to be our soon-coming departure.” -Amir Tsarfati, “Has the Tribulation Begun?”
Our King Jesus is coming back for His Bride. As the eschatological clock seems to be ticking quickly, where are your sights? Are you navel-gazing, wondering how to build up your temporal reserves, ensure your comfort, and accomplish your bucket list? Are you getting the Word of God deep inside of you so you don’t fall away from the faith in these challenging days? Would you count the cost and, on your face before Jesus, say to Him, “I am willing; send me.” This is between you and Jesus. This hour we find ourselves in is our hour to lay it all down and spend our remaining days being poured out for the sake of the gospel!
“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. …
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” -Revelation 22:17, 20-21
Join the Arise Movement
Women who are equipped to live boldly for the gospel are a key to unlocking movements of the gospel in the world’s spiritually darkest places. Through Arise, East-West helps women take action and follow the Holy Spirit to be bold and reach the lost. Understand your role in the Great Commission and be equipped to boldly bring the world an encounter with Jesus.
