“A Happy Departure!”

“A Happy Departure!”(Lk.24:50-53)
“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 worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”
Early Christianity was like a sect of Judaism. Those first Christians worshipped in the temple for a considerable period of time until they became sarcastic towards the Jews. In as much as Christian teaching leaned towards the teaching of the Pharisees, the difference was in their lived experience of the resurrection of Jesus – a Christian conviction that was highly contested by the Pharisees. This mockery of the Jews trickled down to missionary Christianity. This is evident in songs like, “Yesu ka dzim ni vu ṅsuń kœ ba Yuda. O alleluia, let the Jew be shamed!” – Jesus rose from dead, shame to the Jews. O, hallelujah, let the Jews be shamed!
A victor’s song can only be a mockery or insult to the vanquished.
The early believers were sent out of the temple only when the Jews could no longer bear their taunts!
In his first public message, Peter boldly told the crowd, “…you with the help of wicked men put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” However, the cross was not a fatality as “God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him”(Acts 2:23-24).
God did not only raise Jesus from the dead but has exalted him to his right hand(Acts 2:33a).
Jesus’ ascension in the presence of the disciples was not a precursor of fear and doubt! Far from that, his departure was reason enough for great joy and continuous prase to God.
Secondly, Jesus blessed them before leaving. He left while he was blessing them, which means his blessing is ongoing.
My friend, when the dark clouds hover over you and storms of life threaten, do not be disillusioned! Keep the faith! Christ’s hands of blessing are stretched over you!
Through Christ’s ascension, the adversary can only send its tail between its hindlegs like a fearful dog in surrender! Hallelujah!
Worship the LORD always, be full of great joy as you continually praise him in his sanctuary!
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with joy and let our lips pour out songs of praise to the LORD through Jesus Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
14/05/2026.