"And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:10-11

We can only imagine how the disciples felt as they saw Jesus ascend into the heavens, leaving them behind. But angels appeared to them, giving them a promise that one day Jesus would return in like manner. I am sure that they thought it would be only a short wait. As we read the New Testament, we realize that as they spread the Good News, they were expecting the Lord to return any day.

But here we are in the year 2026, still waiting for His return. Years turned into decades and decades into centuries, and yet we still have His promise.

I Thessalonians 4:16-18 "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

We do not know the day nor the hour when He will return. But, as we see the prophesied signs fulfilled, we know that it will be soon. Things that we read in the Bible years ago and could not comprehend become clear to us as technology has developed. Jesus told us when these signs appeared that we were to look up because our redemption is near.

God has a plan for our lives. Whether He takes us home by way of the grave or in the Rapture, we wait for His return. It is important how we spend this waiting time. We do not spend our days just looking up into the air, wondering if this will be the day. Reading and studying His Word, communicating with Him in prayer, and daily living a life of consecration will prepare us for His call.

I Thessalonians 5:6 "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

Thought For Today: Hebrews 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Are you ready?

Devotion by Anne Johnston