“How did they do that?” Have you ever wondered as you watched a magician or illusionist at work? I pondered the recent television commercial in which the magician puts a person’s car keys in a water bottle inside a paper bag. Just this week it came to mind, and I wondered, “How did they do that?”
After Jesus promised his disciples the Holy Spirit and commissioned them as his witnesses to the world, he ascended into a cloud and disappeared. What would we have done? The disciples just stood there staring at the sky. They were so transfixed by Jesus’ exit to the heavens, that they didn’t notice the two dressed in white standing with them. “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” the angels asked. How would we have answered? “Well, our Lord has just disappeared. We saw him and then he was gone.” “How did he do that?” the disciples must have wondered.
The angels spoke to all of us when they explained that the same Jesus would return the same way. We do well to look for Christ’s return. Until he does, we have much to do. Jesus had promised power in the presence of the Holy Spirit who would come. On Pentecost, he would keep his promise. The Holy Spirit has come. We have received power. Our work is to bear witness to Jesus.
In my experience, it is still easier to stare at the sky, waiting for Christ’s return than to share the story of what he has done for us. The same Jesus will return the same way, personally, visibly, powerfully, victoriously. He will come in the clouds and every eye will see him. The trumpet will sound. How will he do it? There is no trick. It is not magic. Let’s share him with others and stay ready for his return.
