I have been spending an inordinate amount of time during this Eastertide season, thinking about what it was like to encounter Jesus as he walked on earth following his resurrection. Jesus' ministry did not end with his death, but continued through his resurrection and into the days before his ascension into heaven. In this time, he revealed and reaffirmed crucial elements both of his character and his commission. He showed proof of his resurrection. Rather than leaving Thomas without faith, Jesus "came and stood among them" – offering peace in order that Thomas might believe, saying: Stop doubting and believe.(John 20:27). Peter is restored, having denied his master in his hour of need, and is called to feed my sheep and follow me. (John 21: 17, 19).
Last, but not least, Jesus' instruction to his disciples to go out into the world and spread the good news of salvation. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Eastertide is a full 10 days longer than Lent, giving the Christian people 50 days to bask in the glory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 40 days into the Eastertide season is Ascension Day, when Jesus ascended into Heaven. Ascension Day celebrates Christ's exaltation. While on earth, he was a servant. Now in heaven, he is the ruler and Lord of all. By entering heaven as the representative of mankind, he completed the work of our salvation and guarantees the eventual glorification of all who love Him.
Luke described the scene-And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.'"
This is the great hope of all Christians. For just as Jesus went into heaven, so will all Christians. Those who are dead will rise first; those who are living will be caught up to meet him in the air, according to Paul, writing to the church at Thessalonica. This is called the rapture. With this hope in mind, Christians sometimes conclude their meetings with the words, "Come Lord Jesus.
The season ends on Pentecost, when focus is shifted to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the Christian church.
As is says in Acts 2:42-47-They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
This is the extraordinary culmination of Jesus’ 40 days on earth following his resurrection and the 10 days following his ascension concluding with the arrival of the Holy Spirit.
So, why am I reiterating these events from Biblical history? Because I want each of us to remember how the church started, how it has declined over the years, and what we can do to reinvigorate Christianity in our country and the world. As Christians and denominations try to water down the Truth, the scriptures, we have an obligation to stick to our values that the Bible, comes from God and is unchangeable.
That is why I have been preaching from 1 John. The first Sunday after Easter my theme was fellowship with God and one another by following the truth of the Scriptures, trying to avoid lethargy and watching out for heresy. Lethargy is lack of energy and heresy is the worship of idols, things or others apart from God. On April 14th, I stressed that our strength as the church comes from acknowledging that we are children of God. Last week, my sermon spoke of Jesus laying down his life for his friends and that we need to do the same. This Sunday, I will focus on 1John 4:16b-God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. On May 5th, the Sunday before Jesus Ascension, I will preach on 1John 5:3-In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.
We need to follow the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20-Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
At the same time, we need to remember that I am the church, you are the church, we are the church! — together. All who follow Jesus, all around the world, we are the church! — together!
Love in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
