June 1: 27 Iyar
It was on this day, the 27th of Iyar, that, most likely, the Messiah ascended into heaven, as recorded in Acts 1. We know that He was crucified on the Preparation Day, which is the 14th day of Aviv. We know that He was resurrected on the third day, which was, most likely, the 17th day of Aviv. Let us now look at the book of Acts:
“He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1:3)
Beginning at His resurrection on 17 Aviv and counting forward 40 days brings us to the 27th day of Iyar. Here is why this is fascinating: His ascension into heaven from the Mt. of Olives occurred on the same day that, centuries later, the nation of Israel fought the Six Day War, retaking the so-called West Bank the Old City of Jerusalem. That is fascinating because, just as He was about to ascend into heaven, His disciples asked Him, “Will You at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” In essence, they were asking, “Is it the time for the Messiah throw off our oppressors, gather in all the exiles of Israel and reign from Jerusalem?”
Christ made it clear to these disciples that their mission was to be His witnesses throughout the world. He also made it clear that there was, indeed, a time and season that was ordained by the Father to restore the kingdom unto Israel. There is no doubt that the Six Day War played a very vital role in the process of restoring the kingdom to Israel, which now brings us to this:
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)
Understanding that the heavens must receive Him until the time of the restoration of all things (Acts 3:21), and that the restoration of all things is equivalent to restoring the kingdom to Israel: the establishment of the nation of Israel, the reunification of Jerusalem and retaking the ancient lands of Judea and Samaria leaves little doubt that we are living in the times that the disciples desired to see. You and I are living in the times of Messiah’s return. Does that mean He will return in our lifetime? There is no way to be certain seeing that we don’t know how long we have to live this life; however, we can know that it’s close. We are witnessing the restoration of Israel – the land, the people and the kingdom. He could return in our lifetime, and knowing that, let us commit not to found idle and unfruitful. None of wish to be designated as lazy, slothful and wicked servants, and so we must commit ourselves to doing what He has instructed us to do. May it be that we all are permitted to stand before Him, blameless, and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
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