The disciples watched until Jesus disappeared from their sight and then they just stood there. As they did, two angels stood nearby asking these disciples why they were staring into heaven. They then explained to the disciples that Jesus had been taken from them and returned to Heaven and that some day Jesus would return the same way they saw Him leave.
Jesus often promised that He would return. One of the best known examples of this is found in John 14:1–3 where He said, “don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (NLT).
In teaching about His return, Jesus told His followers to eagerly be watching for His this second coming.
In the gospel of Mark, chapter 13, Jesus said His return would be like a man going away while leaving his house with the servants in charge. One of those servants was charged to stand at the door and keep watch. At the close of that story Jesus reminded everyone to be watching for His return.
I remember being afraid of Jesus’ return. It was before I was a Christian. I knew that if Jesus returned then I would be left out of Heaven. But now I eagerly look forward to His second coming and taking me along with my family out of this troubled world.
Until that day arrives, I must still work and carry on about my day-to-day duties of living. But while I work I should be eagerly watching for His return.
Through this Scripture I am reminded of an old story. There was a fishing vessel years ago returning home after many days at sea. As they neared the shore, the sailors gazed eagerly toward the dock where a group of their loved ones had gathered. The skipper looked through his binoculars and identified some of them: “I see Bill's Mary. And there is Tom's Margaret. And David's Anne."
One man became concerned because his wife was not there. Later, he left the boat with a heavy heart & hurried up the hill to his cottage. As he opened the door, she ran to meet him saying, "I have been waiting for you!"
He replied with a gentle rebuke, "Yes, but the other men's wives were watching for them!"
When Jesus breaks through the clouds on His return, will He find you eagerly watching for Him?