When (the apostles) had come together, they asked [Jesus], “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers. ~ Acts 1:6-14
Why do we look up?
I've talked to more than one person who thinks the object of a life of faith is to look toward the end - to look to heaven and that blissful time we will be there.
To look up rather than out. Or around. Or in.
Or down.
Down here where there is still work to be done. Down here where there is still life to be lived and good news to be shared.
These angels remind the disciples that Jesus has made them apostles - ones who are sent.
They reminded them to stop looking up. Stop thinking that Jesus was going to finish it for them right then and there.
Reminded them that they had all they needed to go on without Jesus there present. Reminded them that Jesus would come again, but in the meantime there was plenty to do.
Soon, the Spirit of God would make this even plainer to them.
Don't look up. Don't look ahead.
Look around. Look out. Look down. Look in front of you.
Look at what God has called you to right now.
Give me presence of mind and heart, Lord. Help me to live for today, doing my part: the part you have called me to. Amen