To the Cross

"For centuries in Europe, people debated the question as to whether there was a land beyond the western horizon, beyond the sunset. SOme said there was, others expressed their doubts. Then one day Columbus and his men sailed out from Europe across the vast Atlantic Ocean into the sunset. When they returned they could say, 'we've been there and we know'. In the same way, for generations people have debated the question of life after death. Some have said, 'Yes, there is life beyond the grave', others have denied it, 'No there isn't.' Then one day Jesus sailed out into that 'undiscovered country', and he came back, and in coming back, still says to us, in Isaac Watts' verse: There is a land of pure delight Where saints immortal reign; Infinite day excludes the night And pleasures banish pain. 'There is a heaven after death. I've been there and I know!' " (From 'Heaven and Hell' Bruce Milne)

My family and I are just back from a lovely few days in North Wales. Weather wise we were quite blessed, but from time to time there was a gathering of cloud (and rain!) on the hills. For some reason being near to clouds never fails to fascinate me. As they perched on the hills I was awestruck. I couldn't help but gaze upwards. After (Jesus) said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee", they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."