Ep. 152: … and finally!

‍ ‍CLICK HERE for the corresponding blog post in Yeshua Adored

MARK 16:19-20, ACTS 1:3-12

‍And, as he so spoke. He lifted his Hands in blessing upon them and, as he was visibly taken up, a cloud received him. And still, they gazed, with upturned faces, on that luminous cloud which had received him and two Angels spoke to them this last message from him, that he should so come in like manner - as they had beheld him going into heaven.

‍Reverently they worshipped him; then, with great joy, returned to Jerusalem. So it was all true, all real and Christ ‘sat down at the Right Hand of God!’ Henceforth, neither doubting, ashamed, nor yet afraid, they ‘were continually in the Temple, blessing God,’ ‘And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.’

‍The last words belong, quite rightly, to Alfred Edersheim, that incredible servant of God who has blessed us all with his astute, Godly observations and conclusions:

‍‘Amen! It is so. Ring out the bells of heaven; sing forth the Angelic welcome of worship; carry it to the utmost bound of earth! Shine forth from Bethany, Thou Sun of Righteousness, and chase away earth’s mist and darkness, for heaven’s golden day has broken! This Easter Morning, our task is ended and we also worship and look up. And we go back from this sight into a hostile world, to love, and to live, and to work for Risen Christ. But as earth’s day is growing dim, and, with earth’s gathering darkness, breaks over it heaven’s storm, we ring out - as of old they were wont, from church-tower, to the mariners that hugged a rock-bound coast - our Easter-bells to guide them who are belated, over the storm-tossed sea, beyond the breakers, into the desired haven. Ring out, earth, all thy Easter-chimes; bring you offerings, all ye people; worship in faith, for - ‘This Jesus, When was received up from you into heaven, shall so come, in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven.’

‍‘Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!’

This is an extract from the book, Jesus : Life and Times, available for £12 here (Finalist for Academic Book of the year at 2023 CRT awards)