The Mount of Olives – it was there Jesus and the disciples spent time in quiet and peace away from the crowds. It was where He agonized in prayer before being betrayed by Judas. And now, in that same place with their eyes fixed upon Jesus, the disciples received final instructions from their resurrected Savior.

This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.

Acts 1:11

As He blessed them (Luke 24:50), He was lifted up into the heavens. Not in a whirlwind and chariot of fire as Elijah (II Kings 2:11), but slowly and deliberately. The disciples had time to realize that their Teacher had come in bodily form to put away sin through the sacrifice of Himself. Now He was ascending into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. Someday, He will come again in the same manner, bodily and visibly. In joy, the disciples worshipped their Lord and preached the message of salvation everywhere (Mark 16:20).

It is true – Christ will return! In the meantime, pray for those who have yet to believe. Intercede for this nation and its leaders that they may know the Savior…for they shall see Him when He comes again.

Recommended Reading: I Thessalonians 4:13-18