Day of Ascension: May 21, 2009

Today is a day in life of the church that's called Ascension Sunday. It's the day where we celebrate and remember the ascension of our Lord. Acts tells us in Chapter 1: 9-11

When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

So, we believe that the Lord has ascended to heaven and is sitting at the right of God the Father. What does that mean for us? What relevance does that have for us in the year 2009, where ever it is that we live? What God does this fact do us?

Right now, there's someone up there pulling for you. Praying for you. On your side. Think about it. When you are sick, when you need help, what do you want? You want someone to pray for you. At this point, Jesus Christ is in heaven praying for you. Interceding on your behalf to God the Father.

Live boldly! Live with courage! You have no reason to fear, what ever it is your are facing. Through the Holy Spirit, God is with you now! And, Jesus is at the right hand, pulling for you, interceding for you. Live, knowing that someone is on your side. And that someone is Jesus.

Ascension of the Lord: Thursday, May 1, 2008

Old Testament Lesson

Daniel 7:9-14

We see here in the prophet Daniel seeing that which is to come. We see him seeing the Lord seeing in judgement. That's one of the things that it is easy for us to do is forget that today is not the first day that God has spoken, today is not the first day that the Lord has given visions.  He has given visions to men and women throughout all ages. Some, like Daniel's are recorded in Holy Scripture.  Others, like Wesley, or Calvin, or Augustine, are recorded for us to read. 

Other's like our parents, grandparents, teachers, and preachers; the are preserved in our memory.  But, let us never forget what God has spoken in the past.  Let us also remember that God speaks today. 

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 2:5-18

He has been tested as we are tested. So, whenever we face temptation, whenever we face struggle, He is there. Remember that in this moment, He understands our weakness, understands our frailty, understands our need for Him. And in that moment when we need Him He is always there.  

And because He has been where we are, struggled as we do, He can help us overcome this temptations!  Through Him, and through His power, He will give us grace in our moments of need. That's His power.  When we need Him, He is always there.  

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 28:16-20

Remember, he is with us always.  He will never leave, nor forsake us. Remember, now, in this moment, wherever you are. Wherever you read this. . . . God is with you.  He is with you now.  He has never left you, not will He ever. In this moment, in this place, at this time.  He is here.  

The Ascension: Thursday, May 17, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Ezekiel 1:1-28b

Today, Ezekiel sees this tremendous vision. And I'll be honest with you, I can't explain exactly what it was all about. I can offer opinions, I can tell you what different commentators say, but to actually tell you what is happening in this passage, I don't fully know.

What I know is this. For the longest time, the people of Israel through that God could only speak to them in the promised land, and through the temple. But, here we see Ezekiel in a foreign land, receiving a vision from. God can speak to His people anywhere. He does not just speak in church. He can speak to you through your work. Through your friends. Through your hobbies. Through your children. Today, be alert. Listen. God will be trying to speak to you, even through you may not be in church. Today, stop, and listen.

New Testament Lesson

Hebrews 2:5-18

We see Hebrews tell us that for a little why, Jesus was brought low to earth. But it was not for His good, it was for ours. He humbled Himself upon the earth to free us from our sins. He did this to destroy the power of sin in our lives, He did this so that we could live.

But, it is only through His power, His life, His Spirit that we can life. He did this work. Let us live through it.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 28:16-20

Three things of great importance. Go. Don't sit there. Don't wait until they come to you. Don't expect them to come to you. Go into all the world. Go to where their is need. Go to where there is hurt. Go.

Make disciples. What does that mean? To teach them to obey everything He has taught. We are commanded to not just tell people about Jesus, but teach them to obey Jesus. That is what a disciple is. One that obeys Jesus.

I will be with you. We don't go by ourselves. He goes with us. We are not alone. It is not by our power; but His. Go. Make disciples. You can, for He is with you.