Friday 22 May 2009

Ascension Day


Yesterday was Ascension day, as most of you know. Take a look at Salvador Dali's impression of the 'Ascension' and ponder this...

Do you notice which part of his body is the most pronounced? Yes, of course you can see it - it's his feet. This is perhaps the same view the disciples had as Jesus ascended right before their eyes (Acts 1). Jesus' ascension marks his returning to the right hand of God the Father and the passing on of the minstry to the disciples. They were tasked with the mantle and called to preach the Good News.

We are now also called to be his hands and feet. That is our task as the body of Jesus Christ - to use our 'feet' to spread the Gospel. No, this doesn't mean that people will be moved to Salvation because they see (and smell) our smelly feet - it literally means that as a church we need to get off our backsides and tell the world about Jesus.

Isaiah 52:7 - How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

Jesus doesn’t take an early shower in heaven, whilst we are carrying on the work on earth – No way, he is praying and interceding for us. This is what Romans 8:34 says – “Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

Jesus' ascension surprises us because it tells us that God trusted us enough to leave the ministry up to us (along with the power of the Spirit). We have the awesome task of completing the game, not as a substitute, but as one of God's impact players. Let's respond to the challenge and honour his grace.

Your team-mate
D3LM3

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