Friday May 12, 2023

Today is Friday, May 12 and we are studying what the Bible says about Christ’s Ascension.

As I enter this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and focus on the God who loves me. I rest in his presence.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the truth of scripture, open my ears to hear your still small voice, and open my mind to understand the message you have for me today. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s goodness and trust in his promises; I praise him with the words of Psalm 145.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:13-14

Pause and Pray

In ancient Israel, the Roman road from Jericho to Jerusalem was seventeen miles long and increased in altitude as the pilgrim journeyed between the two cities. Jerusalem would become visible when travelers reached the crest of the Mount of Olives. The Mount of Olives rises 2700 feet and sits just east of the ancient city. Many important Biblical events happened on the Mount of Olives. It is where Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, taught his disciples (Matthew 24:3), prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-44), was betrayed, and arrested. It is also the location of his Ascension to heaven (Acts 1:12) and the location of his promised return fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 14:4).

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. Acts 1:9-12

The two angels affirmed what Jesus himself promised – that he would return. Before his crucifixion and after his resurrection, Jesus indicated that he would come again on a day no one would know or expect. When this Day of the Lord dawns, Jesus will complete God’s plan of redemption for humanity, the kingdom of God will be fulfilled, every soul will be judged and Christ will reign in a New Heaven and a New Earth. God’s original intent for humanity will be realized – a world of righteousness, peace and intimate fellowship with God. In the same way the disciples saw him taken up to heaven, Jesus will return. The whole creation longs for this day.

Ask: What does it mean that I am living in the time in-between Christ’s Ascension and Christ’s Return? How am I called to live in this in-between time?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, you are King of my heart and Shepherd of my soul. I sing your praises and stand on your promises. Help me to live a life worthy of your call upon me. I peer intently into the clouded sky and watch for you to return. Knowing that when you do you will put an end to suffering, crying and pain and the New Eden will begin. Maranatha – come, Lord Jesus! I read the words from Acts again and listen for the message you have for me.

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. Acts 1:9-12

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the words that stand out to me today and what they might mean for my life, relationships and conduct. What might the image of the cloud that is hiding Jesus from sight represent for me? How would I respond to the angel’s question, “Why do you look into the sky?” Perhaps God is inviting me to reflect on the angel’s promise. Maybe I am to wait on God’s guidance before I move forward. Or perhaps I am to start walking down the mountain and get to work.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I fix my eyes on you and celebrate that you are my Sovereign Lord. I invite you into my places of heartache, suffering, grief and pain. I welcome you into my times of worry, fear and concern. I lay my burdens at the foot of the cross, invite you to enter into my brokenness and bring your healing love. Amen.

Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:12-13

As I leave this time of prayer, I go into a broken world to bring healing and hope in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen