Scripture:

49 And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ 50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53 and they were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:49-53)

Reflection:

Last Thursday was Ascension Day. One of those “special” days in the church calendar that pass most people by. Which is a shame. The “nativity” – Christmas – marks Jesus’ birth and arrival on earth; the Ascension marks Jesus returning to heaven. Without the ascension, the disciples would have been left wondering; they’d have been left always thinking “is Jesus going to come back again?” But they witness Jesus returning to heaven, to his Father. And, having got over the shock of what they saw, they are filled with joy knowing that what Jesus had told them would happen had actually happened. They’d seen it; so they were joyful and praised God!

All they then had to do was wait. Wait for what Jesus had promised would happen next….the coming of the Holy Spirit. We too wait. Waiting to be “clothed with power from on high”. Do so expectantly. It will happen. It will be powerful. Prayer for the coming of the Holy Spirit in your life.

Revd David