The Promise at Bethany

Bethany, IL is a small but lovely community with rolling hills. There’s a spacious hilltop cemetery just across the street from the church our son pastors. Every Memorial Day at the statute of a Civil War soldier the American Legion hosts a ceremony honoring veterans. My grandson Elijah was quite impressed with the whole ceremony. “I like the part where we salute the flag and the honor guard shoots at the soldier statute. But they haven’t hit it yet,” he said. I still chuckle when I see that Civil War soldier statute.

Something more impressive and glorious happened over 2,000 years ago in a small village called Bethany. After Jesus arose from the dead he appeared to his followers during a space of forty days after his crucifixion. He then led them to Bethany where he blessed them and ascended to heaven. (Luke 21:50-52) The writer of the book of Acts which could be Luke gives us more details of Jesus’ ascension. (Acts 1:3-9) Jesus reaffirmed his command to be POWERED by the Holy Spirit. He reminded them of his great commission to PROCLAIM the gospel to all the world and we are reassured of his PROMISE to come again for his church.

As Jesus ascended up into heaven in the clouds, the disciples continued to stare at the vanishing Jesus. Two angels dressed in white apparel appeared to them and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:3-11 NKJV).

At Bethany we were given a great promise. Jesus is coming back again! He reassured us of that in John 14. “I will come again and receive you unto myself” (John 14:1-4). Many scoff at or ignore the doctrine of Christ’s return. Others have tried to set dates or spend their time gazing into heaven. Just as my grandson sort of missed the point of the honor guards shooting their guns, many miss the point of the doctrine of Christ’s promise to return. The promise of Jesus’ soon return should motivate us in these areas of our life.

First – BE PREPARED. Jesus taught that we should always be ready to meet him. “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). God is calling people to repentance “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). Are you prepared to meet the Lord? (Romans 10:9)

Second – BE PURE. Those who believe in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus will be motivated to live pure lives knowing that we will soon stand before the judge of the living and dead. “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (I John 3:3).

Third – BE POSITIVE. Those who believe in the soon return of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings are filled with hope for a bright tomorrow and blessed today – Jesus shall reign in peace, justice, truth, and righteousness. We are to rest our hope upon “the grace to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:3-13).

Fourth – BE PATIENT. Do you find yourself growing weary and discouraged? “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how a farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it . . . You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7-8).

Fifth – BE PROCLAIMING the Good News. “God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (I Peter 3:8-10). When the Lord returns will he find you busy doing his work or pursuing your own self interests? (Romans 10:14-15; Acts 1:8; Matthew 9:35-37)

Jesus promised to return. Are you ready? “If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9).