Acts 1:9-11 “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, (11) who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” “Why Stand Ye, Gazing Looking Up”

Even though instructions were given before the phenomena occurred, their amazement left them in a fixed position. The two men in white apparel, possibly angels, questioned the position of the men of Galilee as gazers to remind them of the Lord’s promise and their assignment. Whatever God does before us, to us, or within us is for a purpose yet to be discovered. These experiences are a part of the revelation of Christ that leads to the discovery of the mysteries that are contained in Him and exist for our benefit. Although the disciples were in the right place, their purpose was to remain for a moment. After witnessing the event, they were to wait in Jerusalem to be spiritually empowered. Likewise, God prepares us as we consecrate ourselves before Him to receive the fulfillment of His promises. Initially, the disciples were told to gather together and wait in Jerusalem in the Upper Room until something occurred. This time, they had the opportunity to see a miracle happen not only before them, but rather as direct witnesses. Moreover, this is what happened to Jesus, He was lifted up by the Holy Spirit as He ascended to sit at the right hand of His Father. The disciples were to be filled with the very same Spirit to become witnesses that would propagate the Gospel message in both word and action to the entire world! 

Notice their position – they were standing still enough to hear the message of the angels. Their eyes were lifted up to Heaven and their sights were set on where Jesus Christ was going. Previously, the Roman soldiers lifted Him up on a cross, but now God raised Him up from the grave and He ascended into Heaven. A vivid contrast was made between what mankind did to Him and what God was doing for Him. His victorious ascension provided proof that He is the Son of God! Now to those who had witnessed it all were empowered to tell the story as eyewitnesses of His glory! 

There is still much remaining to be told of His glorious ascension and He now commissions us to tell the story. Our effectiveness in telling His story requires the very same power required of the disciples. We must wait before Him and receive the endowment of power to minister effectively to an unbelieving and dying world. It is our calling not to remain as spectators, but full participants in what God is doing in this present age.