Ascension Day

"When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God."
- Luke 24:50-53
 
Forty days after the resurrection of Christ the disciples witnessed the event that we're celebrating today, the ascension of Jesus. He was taken up into heaven before their very eyes. No longer would they enjoy His visible presence among them. Were they sad?, No. They returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
 
It was an exciting time as they were waiting for the promise of Jesus to be fulfilled, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Even though Jesus had ascended, they knew He was . . .

Ascension Day

"When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God."
- Luke 24:50-53
 
Forty days after the resurrection of Christ the disciples witnessed the event that we're celebrating today, the ascension of Jesus. He was taken up into heaven before their very eyes. No longer would they enjoy His visible presence among them. Were they sad?, No. They returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
 
It was an exciting time as they were waiting for the promise of Jesus to be fulfilled, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Even though Jesus had ascended, they knew He was still with them. They could never forget His parting blessing.
 
We close our worship services with the LORD'S blessing. As the LORD "lifted up His hands and blessed: His disciples, so His called servants today raise their hands in blessing: "The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD look on you with favor and give you peace."
 
What a wonderful way to close our services. Even in our sufferings and sorrows, we have the assurance of our Savior's presence: "I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt. 28:20
 
Let us rejoice in the blessings our Savior left us when He returned to His Father. Someday we will depart from this earth, and our example and words may be the most precious blessing we can leave behind.
 
One day the grave could canceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my LORD evermore.
 
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Jesus who died to save us now lives to keep us.