The Mission Continues — Acts 1:9–11
Sep 12, 2026 20
Jesus has ascended into heaven, and the mission continues. His promise to return gives us confidence to give ourselves to the work he has placed before us.
Acts 1:9–11
[9] And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. [10] And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, [11] and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (ESV)
This same Jesus will return
Can you imagine trying to take it all in? The disciples had seen Jesus crucified. Then they had seen him alive again. For forty days, he had appeared to them and taught them about God’s kingdom.
Now, as they watch, he is lifted up, and a cloud takes him out of their sight.
They stand gazing into heaven. Two heavenly messengers appear beside them, asking why they are looking up at the sky and assuring them that the same Jesus will return.
The Jesus they have known, followed and seen risen from the dead will come again. His departure is followed by a promise they can trust.
Jesus has already told them what comes next. They are to wait for the Holy Spirit, who will empower them to be his witnesses to the end of the earth.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
The mission continues through ordinary people
His ascension opens the next stage of his ministry. Jesus continues to work from heaven through his Spirit and his people.
Between his going and his coming again, there is a message to share. The promise of his return gives his people reason to keep giving themselves to the mission he has entrusted to them.
That mission has reached people like us. We were not there to see Jesus rise from the dead or ascend into heaven, but we have received the apostles’ testimony in Scripture. Now we are invited to continue making King Jesus known.
For some of us, responding to that invitation begins with turning to Christ for the first time. Consider what he offers. Trust in his life, his death and his resurrection.
For those already following Jesus, the invitation is to give ourselves afresh to his mission. We are ordinary people, and we need his Spirit. Yet the risen and ascended King continues to work through people like us.
The Good News is…
Jesus is coming back. That’s good news for those who belong to Jesus! We pray that Jesus will return soon. But while we wait, we give ourselves to his ongoing mission in the world. Our confidence is grounded not in our ability, but in Jesus.
Jesus is still risen.
His Spirit still empowers.
The gospel still saves.
The mission continues.
And so onward we go.
Reflection
How does knowing that Jesus will return encourage you to give yourself afresh to him and his mission today?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited