These are seen on the day of Pentecost (Acts ii.). The won-
Christ had put a great honour on them in making them His ambassadors. But they must remember that they are men— earthen vessels, men of Galilee, illiterate, looked upon with disdain. Why stand ye gazing, rude and unpolished men, as those who are frightened and perplexed, astonished and at their wits' end? Christ's disciples should never stand gazing. They have a sure rule to go by, and a certain foundation to build upon. They should never be at a loss.
(b) To confirm the disciples' faith. This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven is not gone for ever. There is a day appointed in which He will come in like manner.
(i) This same Jesus will come "in person"'. (ii) He will come in like manner. He is gone away in cloud, attended by angels; and, behold, He comes in the clouds, and with Him an innumerable company of angels. He has gone up with a shout and the sound of a trumpet; He shall descend from heaven with a shout and the trump of God.
When we stand gazing and trifling, the consideration of our Master's second-coming should quicken and awaken us. And when we stand gazing and trembling, the consideration of it should comfort and encourage us.
4. THE IMMEDIATE RESULTS OF THE ASCENSION UPON THE DISCIPLES
These are seen on the day of Pentecost (Acts ii.). The wonderful effusion of the Spirit on that occasion made the people marvel. Some of them asked (verse 12): ''What meaneth this?" I will tell you the meaning of it, says Peter. This Jesus, being "exalted to the right hand of God" and having received of the Father, to whom He is ascended, the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath given what He received, and hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear. For the Holy Ghost was to be given when Jesus was glorified, and not before. You see and hear us speak with tongues we never learned. This is the gift of the Holy Ghost and is proof positive that Christ has been exalted.
5. THE CONDEMNATION OF THE JEWs IMPLIED IN THE ASCENSION The fact that God has glorified Him whom they crucified further condemns the Jewish nation. It aggravates their wickedness that they crucified one whom God had designed to glorify.