While the disciples were still gazing upward, voices addressed them which sounded like richest music. They turned, and saw two angels in the form of men, who spoke to them, saying, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." As they drew near to the city of God, the challenge is given by the escorting angels,--
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
And be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in."
Joyfully the waiting sentinels respond,--
"Who is this King of glory?"
This they say, not because they know not who He is, but because they would hear the answer of exalted praise,--
"The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
Even lift them up, ye everlasting doors;
And the King of glory shall come in."
Again is heard the challenge, "Who is this King of glory?" for the angels never weary of hearing His name exalted. The escorting angels make reply,--
"The Lord of hosts;
He is the King of glory." Psalm 24:7-10.
Then the portals of the city of God are opened wide, and the angelic throng sweep through the gates amid a burst of rapturous music.
There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There are cherubim and seraphim. The commanders of the angel hosts, the sons of God, the representatives of the unfallen worlds, are assembled. The heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the representatives of those sinless realms over which Satan had thought to establish his dominion,--all are there to welcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King.
Just as Jesus ascended to heaven he shall return with every eye seeing Him return. The joy in heaven over Christs assentation and entry, we will have one day also and soon I believe, as we ascend to heaven with Him at his second advent. What joy we will have as we enter heaven and stand on the sea of glass, singing our praise and joy to Jesus as well. No more pain, tears, of sorrow. What a day that will be.