“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things” (Acts 3:19-21 ESV).
A crowd gathered in the Temple courts, wondering at the healing of a lame man. Peter explained that the source of the healing power came from Jesus the Christ. He told them that this was the same Jesus they had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead, ascended to heaven and who would soon return. Therefore, he challenged them to “repent” and “turn back” to believe in Jesus, so that their sins might be forgiven and that they would be ready for Christ’s appointed return.
The Jews were looking for a Christ, a Messiah, that would set up an earthly kingdom and dwell with them as king, so it was important that Peter explained to them the prophetic reason why the Christ had ascended to heaven “until the time” of restoration. Peter was an eye witness to Christ’s ascension, and he had heard with his own ears Christ’s promise to return. So, he preached with a sense of urgency and expectation that the Father would soon send Christ back again to restore all things.
Jesus has ascended back to heaven “until the time” of his return. When is this “time?” Only God knows. As Jesus told his disciples, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only… Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt 24:36, 44).
This is why we must always be ready. We must urgently proclaim the gospel to people of every nation, tongue, and tribe. For the “time” of Christ’s return is imminent.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You alone know the time of Christ’s return. Yet, give us a sense of urgency, so that we are always ready. Help us to set our hearts and minds on things above, knowing that we will soon see Jesus with our own eyes. In His name we pray, amen.