There is just something about going home.Whether our childhood was good or troubling, we often remember home being a special place. Why do so many people retire in the community they grew up in?
Homecoming is usually a happy occasion. It is that for college alumni returning to their alma mater, for family members reunited after an absence, and for soldiers who have completed their assignments and can come home again.
There was joy when the Son of God, having completed His work on earth, returned home in triumph. Jesus’ ascension, 40 days after His resurrection, marked His heavenly homecoming. Paul wrote of it: “He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.” Ephesians 4:10 He, the Maker of all things, now resumed His throne in heaven to rule the universe. Sitting at the Father’s right hand,
But our Lord’s ascension was more than a homecoming. This event was to have a sequel. Before He left, He promised to return, saying: “If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3 That place, He explained, is His Father’s house of many rooms.
On the mount of the ascension the angel repeated the promise: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) That “same way” is not only a visible return, but also one in power and great glory.
The Savior’s homecoming caused joy both in heaven and on earth. We are told that the disciples “returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” Luke 24:52 They continually praised God, both at the temple and in the Upper Room, awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit. For us, too, the ascension is a festival of joy. We are happy over Jesus’ triumph and for His promise to come back to take us home.(Dr. Joe Pettigrew)
