April 19, 2020
Herein lies the passage of The Ascension of Jesus. This is often an overlooked aspect of the work of Jesus. We see the promise that Jesus will return in the same way in which he left. That is, in bodily form. Here we can have confidence that the risen Jesus is currently reigning with God the Father at His right hand. Of course, the well-known call to be my witnesses (called to testify/proclaim what He has done) is here in 1:8 as well.
Acts 1:6-11
The Ascension
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
How does the ascension of Jesus give you confidence to be his witness today? How can you be his witness today?
What an honor to be invited into God’s story and then be included in His redemptive activity as we invite others into His forever family.
Yes! Your words made me think of this scripture:
1 Peter 2:9 NASB
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Truly, truly praise the Lord!
Great reminder that we need to share with others the story of Jesus and invite them into an everlasting life!
The ascension fulfills the final promise of Jesus’s time on earth. I am confident, because He is faithful and true. He is consistent and unwavering. He guides and grows me through and with love and patience.
The truth is, without doing anything, people will see a heart changed by God. When He gets a hold of you, everything you do is your witness and testimony. Fellowship is what we have to do.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Matthew 5:15 ESV
This passage reminds me of what a great joy and privilege it is to participate with Jesus in the daily activity of encouragement. Fellowship with those who believe AND those who have yet to be introduced to the family of Christ.
A favorite scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another just as in fact you are doing.”
HOPE & JOY! ❤
Knowing that Jesus will come again helps me to be confident in sharing Jesus with others, and helps me to trust Him more. He told the disciples, and He tells us that it is not for us to know when or how, the times or seasons that GOD HAS FIXED BY HIS AUTHORITY, we are to be His witnesses everywhere and always!! Thank you Lord God for giving us a part to play in His story (history)!!!
Seeing His ascension must have been so bittersweet.
I don’t have to wonder if or how he’ll return, since we’re told that he will return, as he did before. All I have to do is trust that God knows when he’ll return, and in the mean time, tell others who he is, what he has done, and if they want to trust and follow him. I can allow him to live through me and have his way with me as I love him and others.
Lord Jesus, by your grace, make me a messenger of Your gospel. Help me to make You known at every opportunity. Amen