By Ellen G. White
hrist had sojourned in the world for thirty-three years; He had endured its scorn, insult, and mockery; He had been rejected and crucified. Now, when about to ascend to His throne of glory — as He reviews the ingratitude of the people He came to save — will He not withdraw from them His sympathy and love? Will not His affections be centered upon that realm where He is appreciated, and where sinless angels wait to do His bidding? No; His promise to those loved ones whom He leaves on earth is, ‘I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’ Matthew 28:20, KJV
“Upon reaching the Mount of Olives, Jesus led the way across the summit, to the vicinity of Bethany. Here He paused, and the disciples gathered about Him. Beams of light seemed to radiate from His countenance as He looked lovingly upon them. He upbraided them not for their faults and failures; words of the deepest tenderness were the last that fell upon their ears from the lips of their Lord. With hands outstretched in blessing, and as if in assurance of His protecting care, He slowly ascended from among them, drawn heavenward by a power stronger than any earthly attraction. As He passed upward, the awe-stricken disciples looked with straining eyes for the last glimpse of their ascending Lord. A cloud of glory hid Him from their sight; and the words came back to them as the cloudy chariot of angels received Him, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’ At the same time there floated down to them the sweetest and most joyous music from the angel choir.”
The student who was made the class monitor wasn’t usually well liked, but you couldn’t gainsay their authority in the absence of the teacher. While they had no actual authority, the momentary authority from the teacher was very real. I’m thinking about that because our Heavenly Teacher has left the classroom of planet earth, but in this case, has left His disciples with some very real authority. The task for us is learning how to use it.
This is immediately before Jesus’ ascension. Notice how they are being deputized with the express responsibility of being Jesus’ representatives on Earth. Notice too that Jesus dissuades them from the idea of temporal political power to focus on their spiritual responsibility.
Reflect on the emotions that must have been going through the disciples’ minds as they watched Jesus ascend. They were definitely shocked; they were likely being plunged into a sudden sense of loss again (since the crucifixion). But the angels disrupt the shock and grief and remind them of their mission. Which parts of our mission mandate might we be ignoring because of our current state of grief or anguish, and how do we reclaim that mission?
Our mission mandate is clear. The task for us is to accept it. But with that mission, keep in mind that God is not leaving us to do the work alone. Jesus has promised that the Holy Spirit will be our companion, guide, and power source.
Every now and again someone will raise this text. If we have power, we ought to be able to tread on serpents; to be bitten and remain unharmed. Let’s use practical wisdom here. What is much more common in Scripture is that God promises power over evil; not dangerous animals. Imagine that this could be figurative language.
Look at a map of this region from Jesus’ time. Pay close attention to how Jesus tells them that their influence would be expansive. Now look at a map of your city. Imagine your influence and the influence of your church expanding in scope. How might that be possible?
Keep in mind that the Master has given strict instructions for managing the work while He is away. There are rewards for those who are faithful and punishments for those who are not.
Remember, God’s unlimited power is available to each of us. How will you use it?