Today is the 40th day of the Counting of the Omer, meaning that it was on this day in AD 30 when Yeshua ascended into the Heavens to sit at the Right Hand of God.

Acts 1:1-3, indicates that from the Firstfruits Resurrection of Yeshua until the day Yeshua was taken up into Heaven, He "through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles" and "presented Himself alive by many infallible proofs" during a period of 40 days. The number 40 usually represents a time of transition, judgment or testing in Scripture, and indeed there was a major transition occurring as God's time on the Earth in the flesh was ending and the New Covenant was ready to be poured out by the Holy Spirit upon all who believe. It would be just 10 days later that the Holy Spirit would descend upon "all flesh," so that God would next dwell in the hearts of all believing men and women who follow Yeshua's Way, but on this day the LORD had ascended and the messengers in white apparel said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Yeshua, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven?" This is a calling on us as much as them to not just stand still waiting for the Day of the LORD, but to go out and live out the LORD's will in our lives. As we wait for the day and hour of the LORD's return that no one knows, what kind of person ought we be in holy conduct and godliness, making disciples for Yeshua, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them the commandments of God? For those of us who believe and have received the Holy Spirit, today is the day to do the LORD's will in our lives, for who knows what tomorrow brings!

For more thoughts on this day of recognition, the 40th Day of the Omer, Ascension Day in common understanding, please also consider Pastor Mike Sutcliffe's devotional for the 40th day following Firstfruits: