Last week, the church observed the Ascension of Our Lord – the day we mark Jesus returning to heaven. While the disciples watched, Jesus has returned to a place of glory, honor and power with the God the Father. He reminds them that God the Father has promised to send them the Holy Spirit, to move and empower them as they share the good news of God’s love and forgiveness to the “ends of the earth.” We will mark the fulfillment of that promise next Sunday at Pentecost, when we remember the spirit of God poured out on the disciples and other followers.
In the account of Jesus’ ascension in Acts, there are two messengers from God who ask the followers of Jesus, “Why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” (where Jesus has just disappeared from sight). They aren’t really asking a question. It is more of a critique, a challenge and an invitation. These messengers from God are prodding the followers to move beyond their bewilderment and shock at all they’ve seen and experienced with Jesus. They are prodding the followers to begin the next part of the story.
While there is certainly something to be said for looking up toward heaven, finding comfort and beauty in the sky and reflecting on Jesus’ presence and help in our lives, we are called to share the love of God with the world. Living as a follower of Jesus will probably look different each day, and different for each of us. As Jesus’ followers, we turn our gaze and our attention back to the people and places that surround us. There we will discover just how God will use us in caring for this hurting and broken world that God loves so very much.
Peace,