STORY OF THE PRINCIPLES 1:1-11 &

 

The Lent that we celebrated a month ago has given us a vivid picture of the power of resurrection and the hope that continues to grow in the heart of every believer. So imagine the joy of the disciples when they found the Master actually alive. Not just a figure of speech or spirit, but Jesus in his bodily form has shown the reality of resurrection as a sign of His victory over death. In various encounters after the resurrection, Jesus displayed His full presence. As recorded in Acts 1:3, Jesus repeatedly appeared to the disciples and reiterated the mission of the Kingdom of God.

 

In these various encounters there was certainly a rekindled enthusiasm for life in the midst of the difficult situation experienced by the disciples. If the disciples were asked, which one is better: The Lord Jesus with the disciples on earth or the Lord Jesus ascending to heaven? Of course, for the disciples (and us) it is more pleasant if the Lord Jesus remains on earth. With the Lord Jesus still on earth, we just need to show the risen Lord Jesus. But will such an attitude of faith mature us and make our faith grow?"

 

The answer to that question is revealed through the event of His ascension. God had willed otherwise. The risen Jesus had completed his mission on earth. So when the disciples asked Him if He would restore the Kingdom of Israel as His mission after His resurrection, Jesus did not answer straightforwardly. Instead, He led the disciples to a new reality that began with His ascension. Through it God revealed His power and the fulfillment of His promise of salvation to mankind.

 

Now a new chapter of salvation has opened as He involves us to be His witnesses. We are invited to witness to the promise of God that has been fulfilled in the work of Christ and to proclaim the hope that brings renewal to the world. This is possible when Christ ascends into heaven. It is then that the Holy Spirit descends and indwells every believer beyond time, place and age. The Holy Spirit enables us to live steadfastly in a world that keeps trying to lead us away from Him. At the same time, the Spirit also continues to empower us to proclaim the good news of God's salvation in our words, actions, and daily lives.

 

As the disciples gazed up at the sky trying to digest and marvel at the ascension of Jesus, two messengers of God spoke to them. The two men said to the disciples, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking at the sky? This Jesus, who was taken up to heaven leaving you, will come again in the same way as you saw him go up to heaven." The exclamation revealed at least two meanings. First, the disciples' focus should now be on the world to which Jesus sent them. The risen Jesus was not just up “above ” or “in the sky ” but had taken up residence in their hearts through the presence of the Holy Spirit. What they had witnessed and learned from Jesus was the subject of their testimony. Secondly, Jesus will return one day in the same way that He ascended. This cry speaks of the fulfillment of our salvation as well as His promise that He will never turn His back on the world He loves so much. So now it is up to us, God's disciples throughout the ages, to continue the message of God's love through the dynamics of everyday life.

 

These changing and uncertain times should challenge us to be more active in witnessing. When the world loses hope, the followers of Christ are here to proclaim His hope, a life based on the love of the Father that happens in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

 

Reflective Questions: 

What are some ways we can witness in our daily lives?