The Lord Jesus was seen by his disciples to rise physically (his whole body) up in the sky and a cloud received him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9).
In fact, in several places in the Gospels, he told his followers that he was "leaving the world and going back to the Father." (John 16:28)
But despite this, in Acts 9, we have an account of the Lord Jesus appearing in a 'light from Heaven' to Saul (later renamed Paul) and later in a 'vision' to a disciple called Ananias. Ananias was informed of Saul's encounter and instructed on what was required next.
"Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
The period before this divine intervention had been trying times for followers of Jesus, a change was desperately needed. That change came about by the ordination of Paul by Jesus himself! This was pivotal to the peace, knowledge and expansion of the Church.
Another such pivotal encounter is Acts 10 where Peter the Apostle was shown a revolutionising vision by the 'angel (messenger) of the Lord''. This led to a reorientation, which changed his mindset and expanded his understanding. He realised that the good news Jesus had brought was not only for the Jewish nation but for other nations as well. Jesus had taken a direct action (via a vision) to orientate his Apostle!
These accounts after the ascension of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holyspirit in Acts 2, show that the Lord himself will take a hands-on approach to change the direction or affect the course of his Church. While He did send the Holy Spirit to work with us to achieve God the Father's aims, He sometimes takes action to make sure we are on His path.
So, don't be too concerned or disturbed by the seemingly huge differences in the doctrines or attitudes of the different denominations and assemblies of the Lord worldwide. Jesus himself has taken charge! He is shifting and shaking things this time. As the Apostle Paul said,
"but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain." [Hebrews 12:26-28]
There have been periods of shaking in Church History, but in this dispensation, there will be many unplanned [Jesus] encounters in everyday life. Especially as relates to our faith and Church, these will occur so that only things of His Kingdom, which cannot be shaken, will remain.
Already we have many stories of Jesus appearing to believers, especially to the persecuted churches in our present day, however, these stories will now go beyond those regions to become everyday experiences of Jesus' followers. Why? Because in this day of the church, Jesus is ensuring that "the knowledge of the glory of God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea". The Captain of our faith is personally taking the charge!
He is ordering the course for our growth, spread and victory. And this means, most importantly, that his presence, comfort and ability will be experienced like never before. Jesus our big brother and Lord will be felt and known better than ever before! Prioritise intimate times of prayer and fellowship with him.
As Elijah was comforted, fed and prepared for the journey ahead by the angel of the Lord such that "he travelled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God", the Lord is rejuvenating his sheep (followers) individually and collectively, with his word (Scriptures), so that we are sustained in this journey of preparation for his coming.
Hear his comfort and whispers -quiet words- directing and positioning you to be the glorious Church he ordained.
Don't be surprised as he orders and restructures, it is so we can be ready. He will present his Church to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless at his coming. [Ephesians 5:26-28]
[Note that the 'Gentile' Cornelius to which Peter was sent, had also seen a vision from an angel of God. Many are coming to know Jesus as savour even beyond all our efforts!]
Jesus is hands-on at this time, so his love, intimacy, clarity and order are with us. Rejoice family of God, be comforted, and be strong, Jesus really is with us!
"See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:10-11
"Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'"
'So I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church.'" Matthew 16:16, 18 - Jesus (ERV)
"Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live." John 14:19
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