"Why Do You Stand Gazing Up Into Heaven?"

Greetings,

 In the book of Acts I thought about Jesus disciples when they
were gathered together and witnessed Jesus' ascension into
heaven. (Acts 1:9-11). They continued looking up even after
the cloud received Him out of their sight. That was no doubt a
grievous moment for them as He had lead them, mentored them,
and loved them during the three-and-a-half years of His earthly
ministry. Some of the disciples were probably in anguish and
grief. 
 But as grievous as it no doubt was for Jesus' disciples, He had not
really left them, for He had told them that the Holy Spirit would
come to them before His ascension and that they would receive the
Spirit's power. (Acts 1:8)
 All that had happened was a transition of Jesus' ministry from Jesus
to His disciples, who were now His apostles. And the work Jesus
had them carry out was the Good News that Jesus had conquered
the power of sin and death and that anyone who received Him as
their Savior would escape the torment of everlasting punishment in
hell.
 Now all this could not have been done had Jesus not left them
physically. At first Jesus left them physically when He was buried
three days after His crucufixion, but He returned to His disciples
in a glorified body. But it was His second departure that would
have the ultimate significance.
 The change must have been rough on His disciples but that did
not deter them from the purpose as to why Jesus ascended back
into heaven.  In fact it was for this very reason He had chosen
His disciples so that they could carry out what Jesus had started.


I too,have experienced change which had taken place over a year
ago at our church and one personal change just recently. Those
changes were grievous to me as well and I admit I do not handle
change too well. In fact, in one case I actually had some moments
of anxiety. But the Lord and some fellow believers had helped me
through it just as God did with Jesus' disciples. I had the Comforter
(Holy Spirit) just as Jesus' apostles did.

 I too, realize that I must continue with the ministry the Lord has given
me which for right now is the greeting ministry of my church along with
certain other things. I can't let grief  or anxiety deter me from what God
has allowed me to have; especially if I am going to represent God's
house to fellow believers as well as visitors. Jesus is also with me in the
form of the Holy Spirit as He was with the Apostles after he ascended
into heaven. And I must continue on with what He has given me.

I leave you with this verse from Acts 1:9-11;

 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He
was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And
while they looked steadfastly toward heavenas He went up, behold,
two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of
Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same
Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven will so come in
like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

 Have a blessed day.