Luke tells us that the disciples stood dumbfounded as their Savior and friend suddenly rose high into the sky, out of their sight. Jesus left them so suddenly, so unexpectedly, with nothing but a vague promise: “See, I am sending upon you what my Father promised,” Jesus said to them, “so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (v. 49). And then he was gone. The disciples, mouths agape, stared into the sky.
But they worshipped as they waited, trusting that God would keep God’s promises, rejoicing and resting in God’s faithfulness.
As we celebrate the Ascension, we rejoice with hope in the glory of the risen Christ, not because all is well but because all is not well. We trust in God’s promises not because of our own faith or determination or strength, but because of God’s grace and faithfulness and promises to hold us always.
This message is excerpted from “Audacious Faith” by Hannah Hawkinson in the May/June 2022 Gather magazine. Today is Ascension Day. Today we commemorate Erik, King of Sweden, martyr, 1160.
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