Jesus Christ lifted up His hands and blessed His disciples. While He blessed them, He parted from them, and He was lifted up to Heaven; and soon, a cloud took Him out of their sight.
The disciples worshipped the ascended Lord and for a long time continued to stand and gaze into Heaven after Him. Then, two angels in white robes appeared before them and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into Heaven? This Jesus, Who was taken up from you into Heaven, will come to earth in the same way (that is, in the flesh) as you saw Him go into heaven."
......He will come again to earth in a visible form to judge the living and the dead who will then rise from the dead. After this, the new life will begin, the life of the next age, another, eternal life, which for true believers and pious people will be completely blessed but for disbelievers and sinners will be a time of great torment.
Notes: See the Gospels of Mark 16:15-19 and Luke 24:46-53; Acts of the Apostles 1, 2:4-26.
That is awesome! I don't think I've ever seen an icon of the Ascension depicted so poignantly. I love the angels and arc that Christ is ascending to heaven on.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful image. I particularly love the way Mary is standing in the foreground, once again sharing a huge moment in her Son's life.
ReplyDeleteCheryl - Thanks for giving your thoughts. I appreciate your pointing out the arc...that seems so special to the picture.
ReplyDeleteGinny - Yes, isn't it a blessing to always see or know that Mary is always with Him and leading us to Him also. Thanks.