“Be A Witness For Jesus Christ!”

“Be A Witness For Jesus Christ!”
The commemoration of Ascension Day is established by Luke that after his resurrection Jesus showed himself to the apostles with “convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” He was taken up to heaven “after giving intructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles.”
He charged them not to leave Jerusalem until they had received the gift promised by the Father. They were to be baptized by the Holy Spirit.
Having interacted with the risen Lord for some weeks, the apostles were kind of hopeful that Jesus would continue in the task of liberating the nation of Israel from foreign domination.
Jesus dissappointed them by stating, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” It is the same with us now. We often think that with the presence of Jesus all our problems should have automatic solutions.
Jesus however told the apostles that his mission of liberation was not limited to the deliverance of Israel alone. Jesus is not exclusive to Israel alone. He is the inclusive Son of an inclusive God.
Was Jesus running away from responsibility? Not at all! He is sitting with the Father making intercession for the accomplishment of his work which has to be continued by the apostles and all of the apostolic succession over the generations. This in fulfilment of the prophecy of the “Son of man” who “was given authority, glory and sovereign power… His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Dan.7:9-14).
Jesus told the apostles further, “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.”(Acts 1:1-11).
My friend, this message is for us too. At ordination ministers of the word are blessed with, “Receive the Holy Spirit…” Thereafter they are commissioned to preach the word without fear or favour etc.
The upheavals we are experiencing in our day only motivate us to reach out to the nations, baptizing and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded. We have this great assurance, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”(Mt.28:16-20).
Ys, he is our Lord far and near; away but present. We await his coming with confidence because the angels assure us, “This same Jesus, who has been taken to heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
In the meantime be a witness for Jesus Christ in thought, word and deed!
Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for giving me power through the Holy Spirit who has come on me. Amen.
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you and Happy Ascension Day!