Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Exalted and Glorified Christ
(Feast of the Ascension)

Luke 24:50-53
“...He lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them he left them and was taken up into heaven.”(V.51)

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. The given passage for today’s devotion is the final three verses of  Luke’s  Gospel. At the first glance they may seem pretty straight forward, but it contain one of the New Testament only account of Jesus’ ascension.
 Blessing the disciples.......v:50
 Jesus has been leading His band of disciples for three years .He lead them out of the city of Jerusalem down into  Kidron valley and up to mount of Olives. "Blessed" in Greek "Eulogeo"  to ask for bestowal of special favor. Jesus’ hand was used for blessing, when Jesus heals the sick (an act of blessing), He often lays His hand on suffering people.  When children came to Him He often lift  them up in His arms. 
Ascending into heaven.....v:51
 While He was blessing the disciples, two actions were occurred-  (a).left  (b). Taken. As in 1 cor. 15:44 reflects, it is another sphere, another dimension from the earthly, physical dimension we live in. While Jesus’ resurrection, body had the ability to adapt to the physical demands of earth, it was not limited to earth. 
Great Joy..... v:52,53
Just think if we are in the presence of resurrected Jesus .Receiving His last command (wait in Jerusalem) and His last blessing and as His hands raised in the final blessing He ascends until a cloud hides Him from sight. 

The Gospel of Luke conclude with joy, victory and anticipation.....In Luke's Acts of the Apostles,   Acts.1 :10,11 ” They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them............Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven. 

Prayer...Jesus, put in my heart afresh that joy and exhilaration in You, that joyful heart  that is my possession as your followers and give me the firmness and boldness to spread the joy until You come. In Your Holy name I pray....Amen

Thought for the Day... “Are we really rejoicing in the Lord Jesus Christ?”


Rev. Saju Mathew,  Immanuel  MTC Houston

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