The numbers don’t lie:
the disciples did good

That was yesterday (Thursday 14th). Do such Church Festival Days make much sense in our post-Christian world?

In the life cycle of Jesus, the Ascension is the culmination. In simple terms, Jesus came from God and returns to God.

He left behind the glory of heaven to become human and now goes back to that glory, which is the presence of God Himself.

His work on earth is completed in his victory on the cross over sin and death and in his rising to new and eternal life.

Jesus left behind a small group of disciples (learners), twelve of whom were to become apostles (those sent out).

On them depended the success of the good news of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen.

2000 years later, we can say with some assurance that they achieved their Lord’s commission to make his name known to all nations.

2 billion Christians (give or take a few) live across the face of the globe and in some countries (in Africa, for example), many are being added to that number.

That could never have happened without the aid of Jesus’ own Spirit which has inspired and empowered Christians through 20 centuries.

Here then is another reason for Ascension Day.

Jesus is now available to all humankind, no long with the restrictions that limited his activities on earth.

Through his Spirit, he now speaks to all us with the same urgency and love as he did when in Galilee and Jerusalem.

What can Ascension Day mean to us?

It can remind us of our own life cycle and the destiny prepared for us.

It can encourage us to look beyond the confines of this life to the glorious freedom that awaits.

It can tells us of God’s purposes for us and creation.

It can inspire us to work for God’s kingdom of justice and compassion on earth as it is in heaven.