For a number of recent winters my wife and I have been privileged to spend a few weeks in an oceanfront condo in Florida. It is located 25 miles north of the Kennedy Space Center, and from that vantage we have witnessed several rocket launches over the years. Close to the appointed launch time people gather on the beach with eyes fixed on the southern horizon. Suddenly the horizon by the launch area lights up and the rocket ascends. It usually comes toward our direction and out over the Atlantic Ocean, quickly disappearing into the clouds. A clear night launch is most spectacular, and the fiery tail of the rocket can be seen ascending for a much longer time.
Each time that I witness rocket launches and see everyone intently looking to the horizon and into the sky, I am reminded of Jesus’ ascension and what the onlookers were told. “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This 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” (Acts 1:11, New American Standard Bible).
After the rocket launch we all go back to our activities with the memory of what we had witnessed. Then I am reminded that the onlookers at Jesus’ ascension were also told that Jesus will come back in the same way that he went into heaven. We don’t know what will happen to a rocket sent into outer space, or if the people who might be on some of them will return again (as has happened). But we have the assurance that Jesus will return. The question might be if we are expectantly watching for his return in a way that onlookers keep their eyes on the horizon and the sky during a rocket launch. “And be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door at once to him when he comes and knocks” (Luke 12:36, English Standard Bible).
Space scientists amazingly and accurately can time rocket launches for their exact ascending and descending times and targets. Only the heavenly Father knows the exact time that the Son will return. “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32, English Standard Bible). “You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect” (Luke 12:40, New American Standard Bible).
The world puts its trust in space science, but Christians put their trust in him who created the universe.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
(Ps. 121:1–2, English Standard Bible)
Christians look to the Lord for their help while expectantly waiting for his return.
To help us watch and be prepared for the Lord’s return, Reformed Fellowship has published an excellent book, The Unknown Hour: Biblical Signs, Warnings, Hope, and Peace. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 22:20, English Standard Bible).
Myron Rau is a past president of the Reformed Fellowship board.
