Greetings to you in the beautiful, wonderful, and powerful name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! I trust that you had a good weekend with all of the “showers of blessing” …and hopefully with an awareness of God’s presence all around you! This is the day that God has prepared for us…and it looks interesting, so we will simply rejoice for having received life to experience this day and to give Him the praise that belongs to Him. This morning I will be praying for you, asking God to release an extra measure of hope, persistence, courage, and faith into our inner being…may we be anointed with His love.
This is another significant week in the life of the church. On Thursday we acknowledge the Ascension of Jesus Christ. It seems that it is not an event that many are really familiar with or even consider celebrating. However, it highlights that our God is one who is always on the move – He is a progressive God! Although on the surface, Ascension marks the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry – it initiates the beginning of the church’s – you and I included – ministry on earth. Since it is the beginning of such an awesome, rapidly expanding ministry…Ascension, also started the countdown …10 days of prayer and waiting for the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Ah! an ending and then a beginning that keeps on unfolding.
Interestingly, the Ascension includes the declaration of Jesus Christ that we call the Great Commission. This Thursday there is a “moment” happening called – “All Hands On Deck!” It is a day of prayer for the spiritual harvest in our nation. There is a website where one can register to participate throughout the day. Jesus, when talking of the harvest said that we needed to pray to the Lord of the harvest…in particular for more ‘harvesters’ …for workers. If anyone is interested I can forward information.
One other facet of the Ascension is that it includes a promise. After Jesus left earth there was a prophetic declaration given by angelic agents – Don’t worry…Jesus will return in like manner as He left. In other words, when the ministry of the church comes to an end and it is removed from earth – Jesus will return. Our God is always on the move…He has plans, good plans for His church and His creation.
As we approach Thursday May 21st – Ascension Day – take some time to ponder and pray and prepare to celebrate and sing … Our God is an awesome God! – Have a great day and be blessed!