Mark's story of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1) comes to an end.
In him, God had lived among men. He had proclaimed the new way of life that everyone of every age should live as they become the children of God, by faith. He had died on the cross for the sins of the world. He had led captives in his train and gave gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8) in his resurrection from the tomb. In the forty days since the resurrection, he had transformed the fear of his confused disciples into a deep rooted faith. He had commissioned those who would believe in him throughout the centuries to preach the good news of salvation. His divinely appointed mission fulfilled.
Jesus led the disciples out of the eastern gate, past Gethsemane with its memories, up to the familiar slope towards Bethany. The view was sublime in every direction: the Jordan, the Dead Sea, Mt. Nebo, Jerusalem. As the disciples were looking up (Acts 1:9) and Jesus gave them a parting blessing. A cloud swept by and he was gone. Long after the cloud disappeared the entranced disciples kept gazing into the heavens, where Jesus had gone...
The words at the right hand of God describe a relationship with God the Father. Jesus is no longer the Suffering Servant. He is the Exalted Christ, our Living Lord, one who lives to make intercession for us. (Hebrews 7:25)
We close as the disciples watched the risen Lord ascend into heaven: Their upward look was interrupted by the word of two angels that this Jesus would return in like manner. (Acts 1:11) He had said so himself. They now know that he is risen and knew that he would return. When he came in the flesh, they crucified him; when he returns again in spiritual glory, he will be crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Meanwhile let him rule in our hearts.