Easter 7 Yr A
Jesus Ascends

Introduction

Ascension Day has passed. In other words, Jesus was taken up into the clouds several days ago. We looked at what Luke wrote in our Ascension Day lectionary. Now we are looking at the same account from Acts of the Apostles. I am reminded of the loss of someone dear to me. Often during the days (weeks) that followed, I would turn and expect to see that dear person. Could it be that the disciples spent the days (weeks) following the Ascension looking over their shoulders to see if Jesus was there? In my loss, I took comfort knowing that something more was on my horizon. So too, the disciples had to look to their futures, to what remained for them to do, to become, to experience. 

For us, it is very similar. We have experienced Christ; we have learned at his feet; we have agonized over his death; we have seen his resurrection. Now is the time for living out his promise. Blessing on your journey.

Comments welcome.

Acts 1:6-14

When the apostles had come together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods 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.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

From sermon4kids.com: “. . . in my imagination I can see the disciples standing and watching as Jesus ascended higher and higher until He disappeared from view. Were the disciples sad? No way! The Bible tells us that when Jesus had gone up into heaven, the disciples worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They stayed continually in the temple, praising God.”