Not everyone celebrates this coming Thursday, but it is important for several reasons.
Around two thousand years ago, give a hundred or so years either way, on the top of mount of olives in Jerusalem 40 days after His death by crucifixion, burial and miraculous resurrection from the grave, Jesus Christ stood on top of that mountain and said goodbye to His disciples. But as they watched His ascending miraculously up into the clouds, two angels appeared and told the disciples just as He ascended that one day He would reappear the same way - but this time in all His Glory.
After His miraculous resurrection from the tomb, He appeared to some women near there, (see Matthew 28:1-10).
He appeared to over 500, also his disciples.
1 Corinthians 15:6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
Luke 24:36-43 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them.
He spent time with His disciples teaching them about the Kingdom of God.
Acts 1:2-3 ...until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
He ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father. This proved several things. His earthly mission was completed and was successful. He returned to His place in glory and is preparing a future home for all those that have accepted Him as Lord and Savior.
He said He was returning someday in the future.
Acts 1:9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
We are commanded to keep watching and waiting for His return; then we will be with Him forever and forever.
Galatians 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.
Romans 8:23. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
See you in Church next Sunday.