EPC Australia

Whither he was to be received up is not mentioned. But it is easily understood, especially if we compare the words with other passages. Accordingly, the margin refers us to two places: in the first of which Luke says, "Until the day in which he was taken up," and, in the second, Mark says, "So, then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God." The event, therefore, was his ascending to his Father and our Father, to his God and our God. There was the home where he originally dwelt. He speaks of a glory which he had with the Father before the world was. Thus he was rich; but for our sakes he became poor, and made himself of no reputation. He resided on earth for three and thirty years in a kind of exile, a Prince, higher than the kings of the earth, in disguise; and the world knew him not. But having accomplished the work that was given him to do, he entered into his glory.

And if nothing is left to chance in our minutest affairs, surely there was nothing unarranged with regard to his leaving this world to go unto the Father. Accordingly we here read of the time for his being received up. And if they have chronicles above, and days, as we have, what a memorable day would that have been in which, after such an absence, and after such astonishing exploits, and completely vanquishing all the powers of darkness, the everlasting doors were opened, for the King of glory to enter in!

On this, therefore, the Saviour fixed his eye, and this emboldened him to set his face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem. For what zeal, what courage, did the determination require! He knew the perilous nature of the journey. He apprehended all that awaited him when he should arrive. He knew that there he should be forsaken and betrayed, and apprehended and mocked, and scourged and crucified. Yet his resolution does not fail him. Lo, I come, says he, to do thy will, O God! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! For he looked beyond, and regarded the blessed result. And this was, the glorification of his human nature; the acquirement of his mediatorial reward; the dispensation of the Holy Spirit; the government of the world; the salvation of the Church; the enjoyment of the praises of the redeemed for ever. This was the joy set before him in covenant engagement, and for this he endured the Cross, and despised the shame. For though his soul was to be made a sacrifice for sin, yet he knew that he should rise from the dead, and see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied. Therefore, as the season drew near, he looked to the issue, and triumphed in the prospect. Now, says he, is the hour that the Son of man shall be,not abased, but glorified. Now is the judgment of this world; now is the prince of this world cast out; and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

So, Christian, should it be with you. There is a time appointed when you also shall be removed from this vale of tears, and be for ever with the Lord. Think of it, and set your face boldly and firmly to go, wherever duty calls. The man who has an amputation to suffer must not dwell on the operation, but must pass beyond, to the restoration of health, and the continuance of life. This, Christian, is the way to endure, and to be more than a conqueror. It is to reckon, that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed. You may sow in tears, but you shall reap in joy. The road may be rough, but it will soon bring you home.

"Yet a season, and you know
Happy entrance will be given;
All your sorrows left below,
And earth exchanged for heaven."

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay