'Do you see yonder wicket Gate?' Evangelist pointing Christian in Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress to the way of salvation Preaching from the Past
Andrew Bonar on Acts 1 verse 11

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The Ark, when set in the holiest of all, had still the staves beside it (Chronicles 5 verse 9). By these it was known and marked to be the very same ark that wandered with Israel in the desert. The same ark that Moses approached, and over whose mercy seat he heard the voice of the Lord. The same ark at which the priest was wont to find acceptance on the great Day of Atonement.

Corresponding to this type, the Lord Jesus, now in the presence of God for us, is spoken of as if he still had the mark of his death; the Lamb "as it had been slain" (Revelations 5 verse 6). He has we are sure, the selfsame body that wandered and was weary here, and that hung upon the cross. By this he is know to be the same Saviour still. The very same to whom "the woman that was a sinner" came; on whose bosom John leant in such happy confidence; who forgave Peter so graciously. Yet, even as the ark was that before which Dagon fell, and in prying lightly into which the men of Bethshemesh perished; so this same Jesus is one for whom a man must deny himself, and take up the cross daily; and one whom they who handle his awful atonement with levity, will wail to look upon at his glorious coming. And never will he lose his tender feeling for his own; they glory round him will never alter it.

At his ascension he spared them the pang of a farewell, leaving them ere they were aware, while pronouncing blessing, and while the pronounced blessing was falling upon them like evening dew.

It will be thus at his coming again. Ever the same in tender and considerate feeling, he will prevent the possibility of a rising fear by catching them up to meet him in the air, ere ever they are well aware that he is come. And then shall he who kindly asked in the garden, "Woman, why weepest thou?", wipe away the last tear from their eyes, and forthwith conduct them into the joy of their Lord, in the Kingdom of his Father.

Andrew Bonar.



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This Page Title – Preaching from the Past – Andrew Bonar on Acts 1 verse 11
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