Acts 1:6-11
So when they were together with him, they asked, “Lord, is this the time when you are going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said these things, he was taken up while they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as he went away. Suddenly, two men in white clothes stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Dear Heavenly Father,
Jesus reminds us that we do not know when he will return; you have established that and will carry it out when the time is right. So while we wait for the end, you would have us come to faith in your Son so that we will be in heaven with you for the rest of eternity. While we are here, we get to share the good news of salvation with the rest of the world.
Faith comes to us through your word and sacrament, utilizing the tools the Holy Spirit has given us to know and trust that Jesus is our Savior. His glory was fulfilled in his ascension, and his saving work was completed. You sent the Holy Spirit to bring us faith in Jesus’ salvific work.
Jesus’ ascension also means he is with us no matter where we are. He is not bound by time and place as he was during his ministry. We have confidence, knowing no place is too far, deep, high, or distant; Jesus will be with us. We are also assured that we have his forgiveness for all our sins no matter where we are. Through his forgiveness, we have peace knowing we are restored to you; in that restoration, we have salvation.
Let us share our hope with the world that Jesus is not far away and has forgiven them all their sins. Please let this spark faith in them so that they will also inherit salvation and eternal life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Christ’s ascension does not lock him away from us in heaven but makes him even closer to us; Jesus is always with us. You can be confident when you call on him because he is close to you; he always hears your request.