Luke models the book of Acts with a key phrase that Jesus gave His disciples before He ascended into heaven. He writes, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
The great resurrected King who would ascend into heaven to intercede for His people left earth with a sending command and a promise of the Holy Spirit. We might imagine that the disciples who heard this would be filled with vigor and immediately take action to follow the commands of the King. Apparently not, for suddenly two men clothed in white robes appeared and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
Why do you stand there looking into heaven? Were you not given a command from the King? Still, you stand idle. We sometimes find ourselves slipping into idleness. Our King commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, but we become comfortable. We busy ourselves with daily activities and become complacent in our mere church attendance. But does our faith produce a desire to follow the Lord’s commands and to work for His glory?
“For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” (James 1:23-24)
When the Lord says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15), we see this as a task for others – for those better equipped to serve. Quite the contrary; these commands are for every follower of Christ. One day He will return in the same way He ascended. Will He find us standing and gazing into heaven, or will He find us busy at the work He has given us to do? (Matt 25:14-30) There are numerous ways to make disciples and share the Gospel with the lost – locally or internationally. Perhaps you need help finding where to start. Register or login at missionnext.org to learn of many ministry opportunities as the Gospel continues to go out to the ends of the earth.
Micah Walsh
Micah Walsh holds a Bachelor of Biblical & Education Studies: Theology Degree from Liberty University and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Apologetics from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has participated in short-term mission trips and has a passion for Gospel conversations that help others know Jesus more.
1 thought on “Why Do You Stand Looking into Heaven?”
Thank you for bringing this contrast to our attention. I pray when Jesus returns, He will find me busy doing the work He has called me to do. I don’t want to be found standing idle.