Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Feast of Ascension of our Lord
Luke 24 :36-53
Luke 24:52
"Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy."
Devotion
Jesus' disciples believed that Jesus the Messiah, would overthrow the Roman government and establish his own state with an eternal and righteous reign. The disciples had expectations for the Messiah because Jews had been talking about it for years. They had blended God’s prophetic promises with nationalistic ambition. They were so certain about the Messiah’s political establishment that they were ready to rebuke Jesus for thinking otherwise. James and John thought that a kingdom would begin on earth immediately, and so requested for important jobs for themselves. But all their hopes were dashed when they lost their Rabbi to the horrific Roman crucifixion. Luke 24:21 says, In the days following Jesus' death, the disciples felt hopeless and overwhelmed and lamented that they had hoped Jesus would redeem Israel. One by one the disciples started going back to their old means of living. The disciples experienced despair, hopelessness, confusion, and bewilderment. All they knew was shaken to the core.
Three days later, however, God raised His Son from the dead. By defeating death and hell, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them. For the next forty days, Jesus appeared to his disciples, strengthened them and explained to them all that was said about him in the scriptures and prophesies, and prepared them for His Ascension into heaven. Luke 24:50-53 mentions about a complete change in the disciples' attitude, although they knew that it was the last time that they would see Jesus ."When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God." .Jesus's resurrection and ascension gave the disciples a new hope about the coming Kingdom of God.
God often reaches out to us when we find ourselves overwhelmed by darkness and in the depths of despair. He specializes in turning our mourning into dancing. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Luke 24:52
"Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy."
Devotion
Jesus' disciples believed that Jesus the Messiah, would overthrow the Roman government and establish his own state with an eternal and righteous reign. The disciples had expectations for the Messiah because Jews had been talking about it for years. They had blended God’s prophetic promises with nationalistic ambition. They were so certain about the Messiah’s political establishment that they were ready to rebuke Jesus for thinking otherwise. James and John thought that a kingdom would begin on earth immediately, and so requested for important jobs for themselves. But all their hopes were dashed when they lost their Rabbi to the horrific Roman crucifixion. Luke 24:21 says, In the days following Jesus' death, the disciples felt hopeless and overwhelmed and lamented that they had hoped Jesus would redeem Israel. One by one the disciples started going back to their old means of living. The disciples experienced despair, hopelessness, confusion, and bewilderment. All they knew was shaken to the core.
Three days later, however, God raised His Son from the dead. By defeating death and hell, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them. For the next forty days, Jesus appeared to his disciples, strengthened them and explained to them all that was said about him in the scriptures and prophesies, and prepared them for His Ascension into heaven. Luke 24:50-53 mentions about a complete change in the disciples' attitude, although they knew that it was the last time that they would see Jesus ."When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God." .Jesus's resurrection and ascension gave the disciples a new hope about the coming Kingdom of God.
God often reaches out to us when we find ourselves overwhelmed by darkness and in the depths of despair. He specializes in turning our mourning into dancing. Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Prayer
"Lord, we rejoice at the glory into which You entered to reign as King of heaven and earth. When the struggle of this life is over, give us the grace to share Your joy and triumph in heaven for all eternity."
Thought for the Day
"The task of the Church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension was to proclaim the forgiveness of sins to all nations." - Charles Stanley
Anila Mariam Thomas Mar Thoma Church, South Florida
"Lord, we rejoice at the glory into which You entered to reign as King of heaven and earth. When the struggle of this life is over, give us the grace to share Your joy and triumph in heaven for all eternity."
Thought for the Day
"The task of the Church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension was to proclaim the forgiveness of sins to all nations." - Charles Stanley
Anila Mariam Thomas Mar Thoma Church, South Florida