Carpe Diem
By George Stroh
July 27, 2015
They also said, "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)
Carpe Diem is a Latin aphorism, usually translated "seize the day". Jesus' disciples had just watched Him disappear into a cloud. I imagine that they just stood there in amazement for a long time gazing intently into the sky. (Acts 1:10) But then two men in white clothing (angels) said; "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?
I think Jesus sent these angels to remind His disciples that He would indeed be returning some day, but that until then, they had been given a vital ministry and that there was no time to waste. They were to return to Jerusalem, wait for the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, and then be witnesses for the risen Christ though out the known world; 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. (Acts 1:8)
Yes, Jesus will return to earth from heaven someday, and maybe someday soon. We are to wait expectantly and be ready for His second coming which will begin with the rapture of the Church. In the meantime, we too have been given a vital ministry. Like His disciples, we are also His witnesses and His ambassadors. Having also received the power of the Holy Spirit, we are to proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen; Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (1 Corinthians 5:20)
When He returns for us at the rapture or when we die and go to be with Him, our ministry of reconciliation will be finished. Until then-- Carpe Diem! Maranatha!
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