We read in the book of Acts, chapter one, that after his resurrection, Jesus was seen by his disciples over a period of “forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Then a stunning thing happened!

After telling his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, Jesus was “taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). And while they were watching, two angels appeared and told the disciples, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). This amazing event happened TEN DAYS before the Feast of Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit, which is recorded in Acts 2.

In his sermon during the celebration of Pentecost in Jerusalem, Peter said what happened that day was to fulfill what was written by the prophet Joel (Acts 2:16-21). But when he got to the end of what Joel had said, he stopped in the middle of the verse (Joel 2:32). Was God perhaps telling us there was a future fulfillment of Pentecost coming? There have been some good reasons given for us to consider that this “feast” was not completely fulfilled in Acts 2 and that its fulfillment could be when Jesus returns in the clouds, “in like manner,” to “take up” and receive to himself all who have been born of the Holy Spirit (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; John 3:3-6). 

But does a gap of almost 2,000 years to bring about the fulfillment of Pentecost make sense? Of course it does. God has his good reasons for everything. Ever since the church was empowered by his Holy Spirit on that day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2, God has been bringing the lost into his kingdom by the Holy Spirit until the Age of Grace is completed. That’s a great reason! The Lord is long-suffering and “not willing for any to perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). However, there will come the day when that changes. And God has warned us that it will. “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). The Lord Jesus is coming back!

This year, Pentecost will be celebrated on Sunday, May 24th. And “Ascension Day,” TEN DAYS before, is also the 78th anniversary of when Israel became a nation back on May 14^th, 1948! This timing won’t happen again for another 11 years. Is this just a coincidence, or might the Lord once again be giving us a 10-day notice prior to returning for his church? Perhaps something else may happen around the 14th to give us an additional warning. We don’t know. But it’s something to think and pray about. Just remember, Jesus did tell us, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:28).

Regardless of what happens, we can see that the day of his return is approaching. I pray that you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for our sins on the cross so that you will be ready when that day comes. “For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Keep looking up! Jesus is coming!

May God bless you all!

Brother Rick

If you want to know more, please contact us at:  uncleministry@gmail.com

---

We wish to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ without whom this ministry would not be possible.