19So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
He was raised up from the dead. He was received up into heaven. I love the thought of God receiving, welcoming Jesus up into heaven. As it says in Mark 10:23-27, no one can enter into the kingdom of God on their own, but with God everything is possible. Even Jesus was received into heaven rather than entering on His own. If it is God's will, we too will be able to enter the kingdom of God with God's help.
Jesus took His place at the right hand of God as He foretold in Mark 14:62. In Mark 10:40 Jesus talks about a place already prepared for you in heaven, places not for Him to give as they have already been prepared for someone. The right hand of God was prepared for Jesus. I wonder about the place hopefully prepared for me.
Even though this is the end of the book of Mark, it shows it is definitely not the end of the work of Jesus. Jesus works with us everywhere we go. I was always taught that Jesus is with me wherever I go. I liked the thought of Jesus being present so He was always there to listen and understand what I am going through. But I really like this image of Him not just being here with me, but also working alongside me. He is not just a spectator observing what I am doing, but He is getting His hands dirty too, helping me in what I am doing.
He confirms the word through the accompanying signs. When you do what Jesus wants you to do, you will see accompanying signs, though not always the signs you expected or wanted to see at the moment. Just because you do what Jesus wants you to do does not mean you won't still see demons at work, some people still won't understand you, Satan will still get in the way, you will still suffer, and people around you will still die. But when you least expect it, you will see one of these miracles happening around you, and you will know Jesus is at work, confirming what you do. These signs when they happen are not performed by you, but by Jesus. Thank Jesus for all these miracles and blessings you receive. He never leaves your side.
This book started in Mark 1:1, saying this is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Gospel means "good news". Amen means "it is so". So for all the good news written in this book from the beginning to the end... Amen!