May 11

PART II.—Acts 1:9.

HAVING noticed the time and place of Christ's ascension, let us now consider the Redeemer's engagements, at the time of his ascension. He led his disciples out to Bethany, and then ascended with them to the Mount of Olives: and having renewed the promise of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, he stretched out his hands and blessed them, and was then received out of their sight. It was the great object of Christ's undertaking, to bless the world. His ministry was emphatically a ministry of blessing. The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. When he opened his mouth, it was invariably in blessing. And his whole active work and ministry consisted in going from place to place, to diffuse abroad the unsearchable riches of his grace. When he was maligned and reproached, in return, he blessed his enemies. And when fidelity to the souls of the hypocritical scribes and pharisees, compelled him to denounce their doom, and Jerusalem's ruin, it was with bitterest regret, and with tears that he said, "O that thou hadst known, in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace; but now they are hidden from thine eyes." When he died, he employed his dying breath on behalf of his murderers. When he arose, it was with blessings in his heart and mouth towards his disciples. And now his earthly career and work are finished, by Christ spreading abroad his arms of unbounded beneficence and love, and blessing his disciples. No greater proof could be given that his pity and compassion for our race were as deep and extensive as ever. Then notice the manner of his ascension. It was local and visible. The eyes of the disciples were fixed upon him. They beheld him raised up from their midst, until, encircled with the glorious cloud, he passed out of their sight. When God descended on Sinai, a cloud covered the mountain's top. When he went, as the guard and guide of Israel's hosts in the desert, a cloud was the symbol of his presence. When he consecrated the temple with his presence, it is said that "a cloud filled the house of the Lord." When Jesus was transfigured on Tabor, the whole mountain was covered with the cloud of the divine glory. And when the great day of the Lord shall arrive, he shall descend from heaven with clouds. It is indeed true of Jehovah Jesus, that "He maketh the clouds his chariot, and walketh on the wings of the wind."