Monday May 8, 2023

Today is Monday, May 8 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 as a new day dawns and praise God with the words of Psalm 47.

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:5

Pause and Pray

When the Risen Christ appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at the empty tomb, they clasped his feet and worshiped him. Jesus told them to not be afraid and asked them to go to the eleven disciples and tell them to travel to Galilee, more than a day’s journey by foot. Jesus left Jerusalem and went ahead of them. Mount Arbel is on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Rising nearly 600 feet above sea level with majestic steep slopes it provides beautiful, sweeping views of the Sea. This is where they encountered the resurrected Jesus.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

The Risen Christ has divine and universal authority. Beyond the greatest earthly authority, Jesus possesses authority in heaven as well and sits at the right hand of God. At the highest peak in Galilee he commissions his followers for all time to “go”. Go into all countries, travel to all lands, journey in all times and places, tell the story and make more followers. Baptize new converts and teach them the sacred truths. For centuries Christians have gone. They have traveled by foot, rode on horseback, sailed across oceans, traversed continents by rail, trekked deep into the jungle, journeyed by bus, driven in cars, flown in airplanes and communicated through every means of modern technology to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ask: In what ways do I “go and make disciples” for Jesus? Who might Christ want me to reach today?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I wait with anticipation and hope to recognize you in the course of my upcoming day. I believe you are the God’s only Son who has risen from the dead and reigns in authority over earth and heaven alike. Thank you for your promise to be with me always. I trust you to lead me and guide me into the uncertainty of tomorrow; I will go wherever you send me to go. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

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

God speaks to me through the words of Holy Scripture and I endeavor to hear his message for me today. Jesus sent the disciples to Galilee where they saw him and worshiped him. Where is Jesus asking me to go where I might see him and worship him? Will I be like the ones who worshiped him or the ones who doubted him? Maybe God wants me to capture one of the verbs of the Great Commission and apply it to my own life – the words of Jesus that tell me to go, make, baptize, teach, or obey. Perhaps Jesus wants to remind me that he will be with me everyday until the end – no matter what lies ahead.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, come and reveal yourself in the course of my upcoming day. Reorder my priorities, reset my agenda, commission me to do your good work and send me to complete your will. I humbly offer myself to you in devoted service. I trust you will be with me always no matter what the future holds. My life is in your hands. Amen.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I leave this time of prayer to go into the world and make disciples for Jesus Christ.

Amen