Heaven on Easter Morning

On Easter I awakened early and opened my Bible, eager to reread the account of Christ's resurrection. Before I reached the story of the empty tomb my Bible fell open to Daniel 7. As I read, I wondered, Could this have been the scene in heaven on that first Easter morning?

"In my vision at night," wrote Daniel, "I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.

"He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations, and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed" (Daniel 7:13, 14).

Bible scholar Matthew Henry suggests that this appearance of Jesus occurred at the Ascension when the disciples saw Jesus disappear in a cloud (Acts 1:9), and certainly this may be true. 

Adam Clark, however, states that Jesus applied at least part of this verse to Himself before the Ascension when He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18).

Even though we may be unsure of the exact timing of Jesus receiving all authority, glory, and sovereign power, we do know that at this moment He holds that power. 

Thank You, Lord, for choosing to use Your power to draw others to You through us.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:18).