Pastor's Corner
Ascension Power
By Marcus Haynes
Apr 28, 2009, 13:52

Have you ever said goodbye to someone dear to you? These are some of the feelings one would go through during those times: feelings of sadness, sorrow, pain and discomfort. Jesus had developed a close relationship with His disciples, but being the obedient Son, He had to leave and fulfill His Father's will. His leaving them left them sorrowful, yet hopeful. The church is also about relationships, as well as about upholding the value, dignity, significance and friendship of each believer in Christ. Jesus ascended, or was taken up into heaven 40 days after His resurrection. This happened on The Mount of Olives. The Apostle's Creed mentions the ascension in part this way: "He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty..." From the passage in Acts 1:8-11, we can learn these truths:
a) Jesus completed His works on earth: Jesus remained in the wilderness for 40 days being tempted by the devil, rain fell for 40 days during Noah's time, Moses stayed on the mountain for 40 days, we celebrate 40 days of lent. God chose 40 days as a way to impart special wisdom to His servant and to do special things. Jesus spent 40 days on earth revealing Himself to His disciples and explaining to them again what His mission was and what the resurrection now meant for them as well as for all humanity. Vs. 8, says "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you". He affirmed what His preaching meant.
b) We have a Friend in high places- In Jesus we have a ready pass-the Great High Priest who makes intercession for us. It is always good to know someone of importance who can "pull a string for us" in this life; Jesus as the High Priest is just that Friend. Give it all to Jesus because He is a Friend who will not abandon you, or humiliate you; He will keep your secrets, because He listens attentively. He appears before God as our advocate and pleads our cases for us. We no longer need sacrifical offerings
c) Jesus will come again:- Vs. 11, says He will come again, He is gone to prepare a place for us in His Kingdom. Paul's determination took him all over to preach the word of God, focused on the resurrection and the second coming of Christ.

Thought
Because of His Death, Resurrection and Ascension, the work is already done. Jesus paid it all. By faith through grace we are saved.


© Copyright 2004 by ebenezerwmc.org