and he (Jesus) 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.” (Luke 24:46-49)
Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ the risen Lord and Savior. Amen.
Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus did two very critical acts. He reiterated His promise of the Holy Spirit and He blessed the disciples. Both of these acts gave life to the church on earth. He made the disciples part of God’s mission.
You too are participants in God’s mission. You too are witnesses of “these things.” You have heard the Good News and trust in His Word. Jesus Christ has been revealed to you as Lord and Savior. God made His Word known to you in His Son. You stand with the disciples as Jesus returns to the Father.
You have witnessed these things by the power of the Holy Spirit. You have heard the Good News from those witnesses who have gone before us. You continue to hear the testimony of believers around us. Even though the Gospel according to Mark concludes with the women too frightened to say anything, eventually they told someone. That someone told someone else, who in turn also told someone else. The Good News continued to spread, until, one day, someone told you. Someone, somewhere witnessed to you about the crucified and risen Lord, Jesus Christ. They made you a witness.
As witnesses, you testify to the work that Jesus has done and continues to do. You do not tackle that task alone. You receive the promise of an Advocate. The Holy Spirit comes to you. God clothes you with ‘power from on high’ – the Holy Spirit. You have the power to proclaim Christ to the world in word and deed. The Holy Spirit guides us and empowers you as you undertake God’s mission in a broken world.
And…Jesus blesses you on that mission. Not just mere witnesses, you are also recipients of God’s grace and mercy. You are blessed. You share that blessing with the nations. The grace and peace of God which surpass all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the risen Christ Jesus. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Carla
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. (Luke 24:50-51)