He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things. And He gave some, apostles; prophets; evangelists; teachers and shepherds.
– Ephesians 4:10, 11
I remember this old story of what must have happened in heaven after Jesus rose up from the dead and ascended to the heavens.
Since the throne of the Lord Jesus was empty for thirty three and half years, all the hosts in heaven and all the angels were waiting with much expectations to receive and see their Master seated on the throne again. Lo and behold, there came the Lord Jesus, entering the gates of heaven walking to His throne and the angels began to shout and praise welcoming their Master. But, as Jesus came nearer and nearer there fell a great silence and they stopped shouting praises. This was because they saw their Master with scars all over His body – in His head, hands, feet and on His face which they haven’t seen before in thousands of years. The entire heaven fell silent. And the Master walked gently and sat on His throne of grace. And after some time, the angel who stood next to His throne asked Him, “Lord, what has happened to you?” The Lord explained to Him His life on earth and how He had to pass through the valley of pain and death to redeem mankind. And the angel with tears rolling down his eyes replied, “Lord, but I see that not all have accepted their salvation and many do not know about this, who will tell them of your sacrifice and love for them if you have come back?” and the angel continued crying “if this is not told to the people of the world, all your sufferings will be in vain, Lord.”
Jesus remained silent for some time and until then His face was filled with sadness thinking about the people who do not know His love, but once He heard this question as “who will continue to say others about His love” He smiled and His face changed filled with confidence and pride, He rose up from His throne and proclaimed, “My disciples will do it for Me.”
