| ELEVEN APOSTLES ~ 2 |
| Jesus told his apostles and friends that they were to start telling people about him in Jerusalem. Even though it was dangerous there and his apostles thought they might be crucified next, they went. Jesus' family and friends went too. Once in Jerusalem, they rented several houses. The apostles rented an extra large one by the Temple for themselves and their family, and so friends could come too. They settled in and waited for Jesus to appear again. It was always hard to wait. But while they did, they searched the old prophecies to see if they could find more things that Jesus' life fulfilled. "Hello, everyone!" It was Jesus. They were so happy to see him. They ate. Then they settled down to business. Jesus had a lot to explain to them. He was getting ready to turn his kingdom over to them. Jesus spent all day with them explaining more prophecies his life fulfilled and answering questions. He asked them which countries of the world each one of them planned to go. They had all purchased empty scrolls. They took notes to what Jesus was saying as fast as they could. Sometimes he said so much, he took a break and waited on them. Mostly, though, Jesus talked, they asked questions, Jesus answered, and they wrote and wrote and wrote. They wanted to remember everything Jesus said. Finally Jesus stood up as though he was planning to go. "Don't go, Jesus," someone said. "We have more questions. We still need you." "You're going with me," he replied. So together they walked out of Jerusalem and up to the Mount of Olives where they had spent their last night with him before his crucifixion. Only now it would be different. On his way, Jesus told them that after he left to go back to Jerusalem, they should wait for a special power he would send them. They did not know it, but in heaven the angels were standing and getting ready for Jesus' home coming. "Everyone ready?" God the father, too, was standing. "My blessings I give to you," Jesus said to his apostles. But he was not standing. He was rising into the sky. They tried to grab hold of him but couldn't. "My father I give to you." His clothes began to glow. "My spirit I give to you." His voice sounded like thunder. "Remember, I will always love you." His hair was ablaze. Then he was in the clouds. Then he was gone. Jesus' apostles stood staring into the sky. An angel appeared to them. "He will be back some day," he said. And in heaven Jesus was running and running. God his father was running and running. Father and Son embraced. Jesus' work to save us from our sins so we could live in heaven was done. We must never take heaven for granted. Oh, how he loved you and me. Do you love Jesus? |