ODJ: He Sees Us

May 20, 2018 

READ: Acts 1:6-11 

Now he is exalted to the place of highest honour in heaven, at God’s right hand (2:33).

Jesus’ life was full of surprises that defied everyone’s expectations. From an obscure village, He emerged as a miracle-working teacher who built His kingdom with sinners and the sick. Then, when His purposes seemed defeated by His shocking crucifixion, this apparent defeat was reversed with His resurrection only three days later!

The disciples’ heads must have been spinning. We’re winning! All is lost! No, all is won!

They might have expected their risen Lord would have another surprise in store. When the disciples asked whether He was about “to free Israel and restore our kingdom,” Jesus said the Spirit would empower them to witness about Him around the world (Acts 1:6-8). Then He “was taken up into a cloud” into heaven (v.9).

Although we can’t see Him, He sees us. Jesus returned to His Father, not to leave us, but so He could better serve us. Now enthroned in heaven, He is “the ruler of all the kings of the world” (Revelation 1:5), working in all things to restore His creation—and us (Ephesians 1:10; Hebrews 2:8-10).

And our highly exalted King is also our High Priest. Having “entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf,” “He lives forever to intercede” (9:24, 7:25). Having brought humanity from death into life on the cross, He now transforms us by God’s power (Romans 6:5-11). We can confidently “go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him” (Hebrews 10:21-22).

You’ve got a Friend in high places, seated “in the place of honour at God’s right hand” (Colossians 3:1). May Jesus’ ascension into heaven assure you that nothing can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:34,39). Our future is secure in His nail-scarred hands.

—Mike Wittmer

365-day plan: Proverbs 5:1-23