Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 3-106

THE ASCENSION

From 'Sunrise Sunset' (HarperCollins/Harper San Francisco), Rowland Croucher's book of daily meditations. Feel free to use or adapt it.

As they were watching, he was lifted up... Acts 1:9-11.

Luke's 'Acts of the Apostles' is about what Jesus continued to do and teach through his church after his ascension... The idea of a body defying gravity is about as hard to swallow as a body defying death. But believing either - or both - is not difficult if Jesus was who he said he was - God-with-us - and if the witnesses were credible. (After all, they were prepared to be martyred rather than deny the reality of these events).

What if Jesus had left his friends some other way, like walking off into the desert? Or being re-arrested and locked up somewhere? No, this dramatic levitation had to occur because Jesus had predicted it (John 6:62, 20:17). He could now send his Spirit to his followers (John 16:7). The cloud took him out of their sight, but no cloud can shut us out of his sight: he now ceaselessly prays for us...

Pause a moment to reflect on this: for what do you think Jesus is asking his Father on your behalf?

The Ascension of Jesus assures us that on the other side of death is our waiting Friend. He has entered heaven as the 'forerunner' of his people (Hebrews 6:20), and is preparing a place for us. We are living in the time between his ascension and his return, when he will come again and receive us to himself (John 14:3, Acts 1:11).

So, Lord Jesus, help me to get ready to meet you! Amen.

Shalom! Rowland Croucher http://jmm.aaa.net.au