The Gospel of Luke
This devotional is written by Joel Watkins. Joel joins us all the way from Australia.
Luke 24: 50-53
The Ascension of Jesus
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Reflection
What I love about this moment with Jesus is that it is the last moment He is on Earth in His human body. After 3 years of ministry, including one very gruesome death, He ascends from Earth with no pomp, nor visible splendour to people, but only in the presence of a handful of His friends. He took them to a quiet hill that was hidden from the city, raises His hands to bless them and was taken up into heaven. He came so quietly into the world (if you didn't notice the star or hosts of angels singing) and he left quietly. His ascension is in such contrast to the picturesque ascension of Elijah, with its whirlwind, chariot of fire and horses of fire.
I think this paints such an excellent picture of the person of Jesus. He was so powerful and mighty, yet so kind and faithful. He fulfilled over 400 prophesies in his lifetime, often in ways that were never expected and more beautiful. I think that's why the disciples went to worship with great joy, not because they were joyous He was no longer physically with them, but that His work would never end. And He continues to show us more of who He is every day through His word, His people and His Holy Spirit.
Isn't that the most exciting part? The ascension means that Jesus has risen, has ascended and is continuing to work in the lives of those who love him! That's what Luke's second book is all about, the Acts of Apostles, which tells of how Jesus works from heaven, through His people, by the Holy Spirit, to see God's Kingdom on Earth.
Pray
For me a constant prayer is to see the Holy Spirit work in my everyday. Ask Jesus to send His Spirit into everything you do. Wait for him and see the living Jesus move and move in power.
I think this paints such an excellent picture of the person of Jesus. He was so powerful and mighty, yet so kind and faithful. He fulfilled over 400 prophesies in his lifetime, often in ways that were never expected and more beautiful. I think that's why the disciples went to worship with great joy, not because they were joyous He was no longer physically with them, but that His work would never end. And He continues to show us more of who He is every day through His word, His people and His Holy Spirit.
Isn't that the most exciting part? The ascension means that Jesus has risen, has ascended and is continuing to work in the lives of those who love him! That's what Luke's second book is all about, the Acts of Apostles, which tells of how Jesus works from heaven, through His people, by the Holy Spirit, to see God's Kingdom on Earth.
Pray
For me a constant prayer is to see the Holy Spirit work in my everyday. Ask Jesus to send His Spirit into everything you do. Wait for him and see the living Jesus move and move in power.
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