He’ll Be Back!
Today is an important day on the church calendar. Today is Ascension Day. It’s been 40 days since we celebrated Easter. On Ascension Day we remember and recall the last five words Jesus spoke while on this earth. He said: “I am with you always!”
This is not a wish. This is a reality we know by faith. And because Jesus is always with us we know that we are never alone. God is always with us today. Tomorrow. And forever.
We can joyfully proclaim the news of Christ. Jesus promised to return one day. He assures us that He would send comfort and hope. Today our earthly job is to share the love of God with one another.
Law/Gospel Theme: After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples several times. He did this to show us who He was as the risen Son of God.
The appearances of Jesus also gave encouragement and peace reminding us of how to live out our lives.
As we consider the Ascension, we can rejoice in the conclusion of the earthly ministry of Jesus and get ready to share the news of the Gospel.
Prayer: Lord Jesus King of Glory Lord of Hosts uplifted in triumph far above the heavens, leave us not without consolation but sent us the Spirit of truth whom you have promise of the Father.
Hymn: 55 Jesus Loves Me
Confession/Absolution:
LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Luke 24:44-53
44 Jesus said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Acts 1:1-11
Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Hymn: 57 Just As I Am
Today we are looking at what happened when Jesus ascended into Heaven. Have you ever heard the word “ascend”? It means something goes up, like an elevator or a person going upstairs. In our lesson today, we are looking at the last time Jesus was on earth.
We’ve been talking about how He showed up to His disciples a few times after His resurrection. He spoke with them and gave them encouraging words.
Well, He had one final special meeting with them…Jesus took His disciples out of the town a little ways, and He reminded them again of who He was, and how He suffered and died and came back to life again to fulfill the prophecies.
He told His friends that He was going to send them an exciting present, and that they should wait for that present to get an amazing sort of power…then He gave them a blessing, and then do you know what happened?
Jesus floated up, ascending into the sky. But He didn’t come back down.
The disciples were left open-mouthed, starting into the sky and wondering when He would return.
An angel let them know that Jesus would be coming back, though they didn’t realize it would take such a long time.
In the meantime, the Lord has give us a job to do. We can tell others about Jesus and His love. We can tell others that Jesus was born. That He lived the perfect life. That He suffered, died, and rose again. We can tell others that Jesus ascended into heaven. And soon and very soon we shall see Him again.
The disciples were excited about what Jesus had said. They went to Jerusalem. Giving praise to God and telling people about what they had seen.
They were all stirred up with energy and excitement. How do you think you might have felt if you saw Jesus go up into the clouds like that??
It might have been shocking or confusing or exciting. One thing we can know is that we should be eager to share God’s love and good news with one another. And do you want to know something else?
This story about ascending has a sequel! Jesus told the disciples to wait for a special power that would be sent. Ten days later on the day of Pentecost the disciples went into all the world sharing the Good News of Jesus. And this Good News is our story to share with others each and every day.
Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for who you are. Thank you for resurrection joy. Help us to be excited about your story. So we can share the good news with others.
As the Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.
As the Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.
As the Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.
We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.
Hymn: 37 He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands
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