Ascension Sunday - Year A

Welcome Statement

Good Morning Church!

Let us give praise today, Christ has ascended on high to the right hand of the Father, installed as the rightful Lord over this world and our hearts. The Ascension is an important event in the Church Calendar, as it prepares for the birth of the Church, through

First Reading - Luke 24:44-53

Luke 24:44–53 NRSV

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

Eyes are Opened

Jesus doesn’t leave the disciples empty handed, he opens their eyes finally to the news they have been desiring from God since day one, but could not totally understand

This Good News we first here in Mark 1:15

Mark 1:15 NRSV

and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

Is now revealed, God Is indeed near.

Their eyes are opened to scripture, their understanding of Jesus only as the Messiah is clarified. He is the son of man declared to take on the sins of the world, not just.

Withdrawal

It notes here Jesus withdraws, but he doesn’t withdraw in the way we personally think of

Withdrawing in a modern context means to take a complete step back, slip out the back of a door without notice.

But no here reveals his divine nature and publically ascends, physically shows himself and then RETURNS back to his Father, he isn’t withdrawing away from us in the true spiritual sense, He is returning

Old Testament Point #3

words

2nd Ascension Reading - Acts 1:1-11

Acts 1:1–11 NRSV

In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “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.”

Luke & Acts

Acts is also written by Luke, but it is reframed again, to prepare for Pentecost in chapter 2

Some folk have pointed out how things are framed or described differently in different books of the Bible.

This actually is not an issue because like eye-witnesses of a court, each person has a different perspective on what happened.

This is not to say the gospels are relative, no, the red letters are verbatim, but somehow they have become timeless and consistent in what Jesus Calls us to be, a Holy and loving people.

Why a Cloud?

It represents the Skekinah - the visible radiant manifestation of God’s Glory. Think of the pillar of smoke, the clouds surrounding Sinai, it is where both Heaven and earth are intersecting or very close.

It is a veil, to show Jesus is

In the book of Daniel it symbolizes vindication and exaltation, to a position of supreme authority

Why are you Standing?

Their amazement and awe has them stuck

I would feel stuck too being suddenly shocked

But the point is, its time to get to work. Pull back your sleeves, pick up your bootstraps

Closing Statement

The Ascension Shows Jesus is not just a one time deal, he is an ever-reigning King of Kings, Lord of Lords. He has prepared us all a place, and has given us a seat at his thrown as co-heirs. This is unlike any partnership the world understands.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank you for the good news of the Resurrection, and Ascension of your Son. Help us to give back on the altar our fears and anxieties, and recognize your Lordship over it all. That you indeed aren’t a King that sim;l

Amen.

Doxology / Benediction / Closing

May you Have a Blessed Sunday, and rest of your Week! Amen!