Ascension
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below, they had stayed to assure them that this separation would not
be forever.
When the disciples returned to Jerusalem, the people looked upon
them with amazement. After the trial and crucifixion of their Master,
it had been thought that they would appear downcast and ashamed.
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
thanksgiving 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
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that the Saviour was in Heaven, and that His sympathies were with
them still. They knew that He was pleading before God the merits of
His blood. He was showing to the Father His wounded hands and feet,
as an evidence of the price He had paid for His redeemed.
They knew that He would come again, with all the holy angels
with Him, and they looked for this event with great joy and longing
anticipation.
When Jesus passed from the sight of His disciples on the Mount
of Olives, He was met by a heavenly host, who, with songs of joy and
triumph, escorted Him upward.
At the portals of the city of God an innumerable company of angels
await His coming. As Christ approaches the gates, the angels who are
escorting Him, in triumphant tones address the company at the portals:
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in.”
The waiting angels at the gates inquire:
“Who is this King of glory?”
This they say, not because they know not who He is, but because
they desire to hear the answer of exalted praise: