So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere…
Mark 16:19-20
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today is the Feast of the Ascension, the feast that marks Jesus’ departure from this world to dwell with God the Father. This preceded the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples at Pentecost. While God was uniquely present with us in one time and place in Jesus, God would, through Jesus, be present among all believers in the Holy Spirit. But first, the disciples said goodbye to Jesus.
Sometimes we go through times that may feel like God’s absence. But God is still at work in our lives. Grief, depression, loss, and long term stress drain our ability to be in touch with God’s presence. God is still with us in these times, and he sustains us though we might not be aware of it. The more we take the time to look for God and listen for God, the more his reassurance slowly builds. And even in the darkness, we can trust that God is greater than anything we face.
So the disciples waited as he had told them to do, until the Holy Spirit came and empowered them to share the good news and grow the body of Christ. Now God continues to pour the Holy Spirit on you, empowering you to share the good news and grow the body of Christ. God bless you this Ascension Day, and strengthen you through times of waiting into times of action!
Yours in Christ,
-Tom
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