Before Jesus Christ Ascended

I often think about the promises that Jesus made to us before He ascended to be with His Father in Heaven after His resurrection. He promised us many things, but the most important to me is the promise to return to take all who follow Him to dwell with Him in Heaven for all eternity. This is my reason for living, and this promise sustains me through all my times of pain and sorrow, doubt and fear, and trial and tribulation. One day soon, I am sure, He will keep this promise, and I pray that all His people will be ready on that day. The constant cry of my heart, therefore, is "Come, Lord Jesus, come" as I await His return.

BEFORE JESUS CHRIST ASCENDED

Before Jesus Christ ascended
To sit at His Father's side,
He promised us that He'd return again.
In our hearts He placed a yearning,
And His Spirit fans the flames,
So the fire will burn there strongly until then.

That yearning that He placed there
Was that we could follow Him,
And soon be with Him, standing round His throne –
That we would join the angels
And the rejoicing heavenly host,
And forevermore we'd worship Him alone.

He said that He was going
To prepare a place for us,
In a mansion waiting for us in the sky,
And that He would soon return,
Although He did not say just when,
But I know He will, because He cannot lie.

When He comes to take us home,
The dead in Christ shall rise,
And He'll call us up to meet Him in the air.
Then forever we will sing
With the angels before His throne,
And eternally His power and majesty declare.

So, people of the Lord, look up!
For your redemption draweth nigh,
And one day soon you'll hear the trumpet sound.
The Lord will raise a shout,
You'll rise to stand with Him,
And forevermore your praises will resound.