Forty days have passed since we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus’ ministry continued in those days following resurrection. He appeared to Mary, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the others. Even even appeared to over 500 at one time. The days of His earthly ministry were now done. He tells His disciples, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things. 49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Jesus gives these instructions to His disciples and ultimately to us. He has called us to particpate in His mission — to be His hands and feet to a world that needs Christ. After Jesus tells the disciples His mission, He blesses them an is taken into heaven. The disciples stand around, wondering, “What now?” Two men show up and say, 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

What I get out of all of this, is that the messengers were reinforcing Jesus’ message to not wonder about how it will all end, but to get busy doing the things that Jesus’ commanded them to do, because He will return — the same Jesus — will return the same way he left. I believe that all of us need to take this to heart. It’s time to get busy and do the work Christ has called us to do.