28 May 2017 is Ascension Sunday. The story of the resurrected Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of God in Heaven is related in Acts 1:1-11. Rev. Geoff McKee discusses what he considers to be probably the most understated of the three key events which make up Christ’s act of salvation (his death, resurrection and ascension).
In terms of space/time, where is Jesus now? What exactly does the ascension mean for us? Geoff explains important lessons for us all in relation to prayer and salvation.
The scripture follows immediately below and the sermon after that. You can download a PDF version of the sermon by clicking here, if you wish.
Acts 1:1-11 (New International Version)
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 water, but in a few days you will be baptized with 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.”
We find ourselves this morning right at the end of the Easter season.
Our minds may be more at ease now as the astonishing stories of the resurrection have had time to influence us afresh, stimulating our thinking and inspiring our living.
But, right at the end of the season, we are hit with another concept that puzzles and perplexes us. [Read more…]
