Lifted to Lead

Focus Statement

Jesus didn’t ascend to end the mission—he ascended to extend it.

We are lifted to lead, guided by the Spirit, grounded in love.

Point of Relation

We’ve all had those moments—watching someone we love walk away, not knowing what comes next.

Maybe it’s graduation, a goodbye at the airport, or even a loss.

There's a stillness in that moment... and a choice.

Will we stand staring at the sky? Or will we step forward?

Things to Consider

The disciples watched Jesus ascend—still trying to make sense of everything.

Was this the end of the story? Or the start of something new?

Sometimes what feels like a goodbye is really a handoff.

Are we ready to receive it?

What Scripture Says

Jesus had risen. He had taught.

He had opened their minds to the Scriptures.

And now, it was time to go.

In Luke, he leads them out one last time—

blesses them—and is lifted before their eyes.

In Acts, they’re still staring upward when angels interrupt:

Why are you looking into the sky?

It’s a holy pause.

A reminder:

Jesus didn’t ascend to escape us—he ascended to entrust us.

He was lifted so we might lead.

And the story isn’t over. It’s just moved into our hands.

What This Means for You

Maybe you’ve had moments like the disciples—

standing still, looking up, wondering what comes next.

Maybe you’ve felt like the story was out of your hands.

But the truth is, Jesus trusts you with it.

He lifts you—not because you’re perfect—

but because you’re part of what comes next.

In fact we are not loved because we are perfect,

we are perfected because we are loved.

You don’t need to have all the answers.

Just keep your eyes open.

Your heart soft.

Your spirit ready to move.

What This Means for Us

As a church, we are not here to stare at the sky or cling to what once was.

We are called to lead—with humility, with courage, and with love.

Jesus didn’t ascend to leave us behind.

He ascended so we could step forward. He passed the torch. and, within us, the Holy Spirit is still the flame!

We are the movement now.

Let’s move with it. Let’s lead with grace. Let’s be the church that lifts others. Amen? Amen.

Written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI).