“To My Father, and Your Father”
713
Their enemies expected to see upon their faces an expression of sorrow
and defeat. Instead of this there was only gladness and triumph. Their
faces were aglow with a happiness not born of earth. They did not
mourn over disappointed hopes, but were full of praise and thanksgiv-
ing to God. With rejoicing they told the wonderful story of Christ’s
resurrection and His ascension to heaven, and their testimony was
received by many.
The disciples no longer had any distrust of the future. They knew
that Jesus was in heaven, and that His sympathies were with them
still. They knew that they had a friend at the throne of God, and
they were eager to present their requests to the Father in the name of
Jesus. In solemn awe they bowed in prayer, repeating the assurance,
“Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive,
that your joy may be full.”
John 16:23, 24
. They extended the hand of
faith higher and higher, with the mighty argument, “It is Christ that
died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God,
who also maketh intercession for us.”
Romans 8:34
. And Pentecost
brought them fullness of joy in the presence of the Comforter, even as
Christ had promised.
All heaven was waiting to welcome the Saviour to the celestial
courts. As He ascended, He led the way, and the multitude of captives
set free at His resurrection followed. The heavenly host, with shouts
and acclamations of praise and celestial song, attended the joyous
train.
As they drew near to the city of God, the challenge is given by the
escorting angels,—
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in.”
Joyfully the waiting sentinels respond,—
“Who is this King of glory?”
This they say, not because they know not who He is, but because
they would hear the answer of exalted praise,—