The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! When the disciples were taken to the Mount of Olives in Acts chapter 1, Jesus gave them their last marching orders in verse 8: "but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."
(NASV)
They were to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came, then go into all the world to preach the good news, the gospel, and; "...baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you;" (Matthew 28: 19-20) (NASV)
While they were standing there Jesus began to ascend into Heaven. Luke's account in Acts chapter 1 and verse 9 says that: "And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight." (NASV)
Now I don't know about you but i would be very much intrigued by this event as I am sure the disciples and the followers that were there were. As He continued to ascend, they continued to look up into the sky until they were rebuked by two angels. Look at the rest of this account from verses 10 and 11: "10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into Heaven." (NASV)
I know what you might be thinking. You might be thinking they were trying to get one last glimpse of Jesus before they were going back to Jerusalem but I think that there is one more thing they were looking to see; a glimpse of Heaven. After all, wasn't that where He was going? Wouldn't you want to sneak a peek into the gates of Heaven itself?
In the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verses 1-3, Jesus told His disciples: "1 Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In my Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for i go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (NASV)
Wouldn't you want a look through the knothole into Heaven? For the Christian believer, that will be home after we leave this earth. Our saved loved ones and friends who have gone on before us will be there. The saints that have passed on whether from a natural death, from war, or from persecution and suffering for their faith will be there. The apostles and many of the people you read about from your Bibles will be there also. But most of all, Jesus will be there.
If you could look through the knothole of heaven, all these things you might see. But for the unbelieving, this would be all you get to see. You would not get to experience the fellowship of family and friends or the others that have gone on before us. But most of all you will not get to see Jesus. You will be separated from all of that for all eternity. You might not like to hear that but as the saying goes, "Don't shoot the messenger!"
Listen, the resurrection of Jesus changes everything. It can even change you! If you want more than just a knothole experience of Heaven, and really want to know how to get there, contact one of the pastors from the Carroll County Ministerial Association. They would love to tell you how to get to Heaven. If you cannot reach them, call me. I would love to tell you how to turn a knothole experience into an eternity of fellowship with the Savior. Why are you still sitting there? Like the angels told the disciples, "Get moving!" Thanks for reading. Have a great week Church!
Dr. Chuck Wilson Senior Pastor Carrollton Bible Chapel
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