Seventh Week of Eastertide

May 20, 2012
Seventh Week of Eastertide
The Ascension

Acts 1:6-11
“He Was Carried Up Into Heaven"

Can you imagine what it was like to be there with Jesus when suddenly, he was lifted up into the sky? What was going through the disciples' minds when they were standing there staring up at the cloud that hid Jesus from their sight? Were they confused, sad, or amazed? Did they expect him to return very soon? Did they comprehend that their time with Jesus in this earthly realm was really over?

Jesus had just told them that they would "receive power" from the Holy Spirit and be witnesses "to the ends of the earth." And now he was gone! Two men dressed in white assured them that Jesus would come back in the same way. But soon enough it was time for them to return to Jerusalem, to their homes and families, to the fellowship of believers. Surely they didn’t know exactly what Jesus wanted them to do. And so they waited, remembering Jesus, all that he said and did. They remembered the day on which they saw him ascending, glorified. They waited until the day of Pentecost…

Prayer of Waiting...
Lord, we wait for you as well, waiting for your return, for a sign of your presence. Waiting in faith isn't easy for us; we want to see you NOW! Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit that is within us today as we continue to wait...guiding us as we listen to your gracious guidance as we are witnesses to the gift of your love to the ends of the earth.

"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31