Chapter 29—The Ascension
The Saviour’s work on earth was finished. The time had now come
for Him to return to His Heavenly home. He had overcome, and was
again to take His place by the side of His Father upon His throne of
light and glory.
Jesus chose the Mount of Olives as the place of His ascension.
Accompanied by the eleven, He made His way to the mountain. But
the disciples did not know that this was to be their last interview with
their Master. As they walked, the Saviour gave them His parting
instruction. Just before leaving them, He made that precious promise,
so dear to every one of His followers:
“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Matthew
28:20
.
They crossed the summit, to the vicinity of Bethany. Here they
paused, and the disciples gathered about their Lord. Beams of light
seemed to radiate from His countenance as He looked with love upon
them. Words of the deepest tenderness were the last which fell upon
their ears from the lips of the Saviour.
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With hands outstretched in blessing, He slowly ascended from
among them. As He passed upward, the awe-stricken disciples looked
with straining eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord. A
cloud of glory received Him from their sight. At the same time there
floated down to them the sweetest and most joyous music from the
angel choir.
While the disciples were still gazing upward, voices addressed
them which sounded like richest music. They turned, and saw two
angels in the form of men, who spoke to them, saying:
“Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This
same Jesus, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in
like manner as ye have seen Him go into Heaven.”
Acts 1:11
.
These angels belonged to the company that had come to escort the
Saviour to His heavenly home. In sympathy and love for those left
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