Tuesday, May 27, 2003
Tuesday, May 27, 2003
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is
not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
Notice what happened next. The apostles returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They met daily
for prayer. They began to prepare themselves for what lay ahead.
Billy Graham remembers visiting an elderly man who spent most of his life in China as a
missionary. This former missionary had always enjoyed good health and was an unusually
strong man. His deep dedication to Christ and his love for his wife made people love and admire
him. He was a faithful witness.
Unfortunately this former missionary contracted cancer which spread to many parts of his body.
Billy Graham went to minister to him, to share words of comfort with him. Instead, the man
witnessed to Dr. Graham. "There was a joy and radiance about him that I have rarely seen," Dr.
Graham recalls. "He got up out of his bed and walked me to the car when I left. I shall never
forget my last glimpse of him. With a great smile and cheery wave, he said, 'Keep on preaching
the Gospel, Billy. The older I get, the better Christ is to me.'"
That would be the testimony of many Christians. Each day with Jesus is better than the day
before, says a Gospel tune, and it's true.
(Hebrews 11.16
NRSV)
The apostles watched as Jesus was taken up to heaven in a cloud. They stood there looking up
amazed at what had taken place. Suddenly two men in bright white robes stood before them.
They asked the apostles, "Why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus who has
been taken up from you into heaven, will return in the same way...."
God of the future, may each of my days get better as I draw myself closer and closer to you.
Amen.
