Ascension (2)
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(NIV)
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Today we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. The event itself is a miracle but as miracles go, not all that impressive. As Jesus was blessing his disciples, he rose into the sky and disappeared from their view. It is impossible for us to levitate because we are heavier than air. So that is something. But in comparison to changing water into wine, restoring sight to blind, hearing to the deaf, parting the Red Sea, raising the dead . . . Well, we usually don’t rate miracles but I think we can agree that it isn’t as impressive.
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Today we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. The event itself is a miracle but as miracles go, not all that impressive. As Jesus was blessing his disciples, he rose into the sky and disappeared from their view. It is impossible for us to levitate because we are heavier than air. So that is something. But in comparison to changing water into wine, restoring sight to blind, hearing to the deaf, parting the Red Sea, raising the dead . . . Well, we usually don’t rate miracles but I think we can agree that it isn’t as impressive.
What is impressive (and what Paul wants us to know) is what is happening after Jesus rose from the dead. He didn’t go away just to relax and take a break from what he had done. He left the world in order to be in the position to rule the world for the sake of the church. This is what we will reflect on today.
We are familiar with the actual events of the Ascension of Jesus. (Who, what, when, why, and how). Paul teaches us what the significance of this event still holds for Christians now.
Jesus’ ascension into heaven reminds us of how Elijah the Prophet left this earth in a chariot of fire.
Paul is writing to people who had a reputation. This reminds us that others are probably talking about us and hopefully it is in a good way. Is our light shining before men so that they see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven? Do we show “faith in the Lord Jesus’ and demonstrate “love for all God’s people”?
Some congregations are known for their impressive buildings, community action programs, special events, or even influential members who have an impact on the community. Some groups of Christians have left behind a legacy of impressive structures like cathedrals which draw attention to people throughout the world even when they aren’t on fire.
Our reputation may not be as impactful or wide spread. When I tell people in the Marshfield where I live, they seem puzzled. Our reputation comes more from what we do as individuals in the circle of people that we interact with. Hopefully, our faith in the Lord Jesus and our love for all God’s people leads others to give thanks to God for us and to remember us in our prayers.
When Paul heard about these Christians, he did what is expected of us in regard to others. He prayed for them.
Gave thanks as he remembered them in his prayers.
Asked God for blessings for them.
We are commanded to offer prays for others.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
What does Paul pray for? (which would be good for us to do as well)
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
What does Paul pray for? (which would be good for us to do as well)
Give them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Recall how the prayer of Solomon teaches the importance of wisdom and how God give’s wisdom to all who ask him (James)
4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
1.Revelation — be revealed to us who God is and what he has done to save us. He is not asking for special insight or visions such as those received by St. John in Revelation. He is asking for an understanding and belief in those things that are already revealed so that we can find comfort and strength in them.
Revelation — be revealed to us who God is and what he has done to save us. He is not asking for special insight or visions such as those received by St. John in Revelation. He is asking for an understanding and belief in those things that are already revealed so that we can find comfort and strength in them.
Get to know God better. We know that this is done through his Word.
Illustration.
We know who God is and what he has done to save us. But Paul is praying that we may grow deeper in our relationship with him. (NIV)
11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hope to which we are called — “glorious inheritance in his holy people” The Christian hope is that the same Jesus who saved us by sufferings and death and rose again to ascend into heaven will return on the Last Day to take with him all who trust in him to live together eternally in heaven. (NIV)
19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
Great power for us who believe (illustrations of “more power” and feats of strength)
19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Great power for us who believe (illustrations of “more power” and feats of strength)
Exerted in the resurrection.
Exerted in seating Jesus at his right hand.
We confess that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. What does this mean? It is more a figurative expression than a literal one. It means that Jesus is in control.
We find this very reassuring especially in comparison to others who are in control.
Paul teaches us that God has placed people in authority over us. Whether it is our parents, the baby sitter, the teacher, the principal, the boss at work, law enforcement officials, local, state, and federal officials, we all have people who are in authority over us. We are commanded to submit to them (4th commandment). But at times is it difficult because those human beings in control over us are sinful and some even flaunt their sins. Our society tries to curtail and punish those who abuse their power but is unable to eradicate abuse completely. And so at times we more grudgingly than cheerfully obey (at least when their eye is on us).
We need not have any fear of the one who is ultimate control of abusing his power or using it for his own personal gain.
22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Therefore, we can look to our ascended Savior at all times to use his power and authority to preserve and protect us even at those times when we are victims of sinful people in authority. (NIV)
19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.