Mathew 5:8
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
Ascension Day always falls 40 days after Easter and this year it landed on Thursday, June 2 which is very late in the liturgical year due to our late Easter. Ascension Day is one of the seven principal feast days of the Church, a so called “biggie” in liturgical parlance, along with Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Epiphany, All Saints’ Day, and Trinity.
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yet despite this glorious fact, Episcopalians tend to be ignorant about Ascension Day and its history for some reason. Perhaps it’s too surreal!
yet despite this glorious fact, Episcopalians tend to be ignorant about Ascension Day and its history for some reason. Perhaps it’s too surreal!-for example, there is only one church in the entire Diocese of Kansas named after this miraculous event; and not many churches in the US are so named.
for example, there is only one church in the entire Diocese of Kansas named after this miraculous event; and not many churches in the US are so named.-for the educated, erudite Episcopalian, the concept of a human body going up into heaven like some kind of rocket-man seems strange and almost mythical, and to some, somewhat comical
for the educated, erudite Episcopalian, the concept of a human body going up into heaven like some kind of rocket-man seems strange and almost mythical, and to some, somewhat comicalothe unasked question would be, “where’s his body?”
the unasked question would be, “where’s his body?”oI remember an Ascension Day sermon given by the Rev. Tom McCusker at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Burke, Virginia when I was a member there. He ballyhooed a physical ascension and said that if one had a video camera during Christ’s departure, nothing would have shown up. Tom was a smart guy and a kind man, but he tended to debunk the more literal events of in the Bible.
I remember an Ascension Day sermon given by the Rev. Tom McCusker at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Burke, Virginia when I was a member there. He ballyhooed a physical ascension and said that if one had a video camera during Christ’s departure, nothing would have shown up. Tom was a smart guy and a kind man, but he tended to debunk the more literal events of in the Bible. -well, our lesson from the Acts today certainly clears up all that mystery, should one believe the words literally, as I do
well, our lesson from the Acts today certainly clears up all that mystery, should one believe the words literally, as I do-as the men were watching, Jesus was lifted up into a cloud which took him out of their sight
as the men were watching, Jesus was lifted up into a cloud which took him out of their sight-two men in white, most likely angels, asked the disciples why they were looking up toward heaven? They then informed the puzzled men that Jesus would come back to earth from heaven in the same manner as he went up
two men in white, most likely angels, asked the disciples why they were looking up toward heaven? They then informed the puzzled men that Jesus would come back to earth from heaven in the same manner as he went up-after this, the disciples went back to the upper room, together with certain women and Jesus’ brothers where they constantly devoted themselves to prayer
after this, the disciples went back to the upper room, together with certain women and Jesus’ brothers where they constantly devoted themselves to prayerNow all of this begs the question: Why? Why did Jesus have to depart in such a spectacular manner? Why couldn’t he, in the poetic language of the old soldier, General Douglas McArthur, just “fade away?”
-well, someone once said, “Christianity is not a guessing game.” This recorded instance in Acts makes it quite clear that Jesus went up to heaven where his Father, and our Father, abides
well, someone once said, “Christianity is not a guessing game.” This recorded instance in Acts makes it quite clear that Jesus went up to heaven where his Father, and our Father, abidesoOur Father who art in heaven…..
Our Father who art in heaven…..-the risen Christ has been exalted through his Ascension to a position of universal power and authority, far, far above all things and people
the risen Christ has been exalted through his Ascension to a position of universal power and authority, far, far above all things and people-Saint Paul tells the Ephesians that, “…He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.” He adds that God raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion…above everything, putting all things under his feet because he was now above all. “Heaven is my throne and earth is my footstool.” This is more than mere poetic imagery.
Saint Paul tells the Ephesians that, “…He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.” He adds that God raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion…above everything, putting all things under his feet because he was now above all. “Heaven is my throne and earth is my footstool.” This is more than mere poetic imagery. -The Psalmist in Psalm 97 exclaims, “…For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.”
The Psalmist in Psalm 97 exclaims, “…For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.”oOur assigned Psalm 47 this evening adds in verse 5 that “God has gone up with a shout.”
Our assigned Psalm 47 this evening adds in verse 5 that “God has gone up with a shout.”-our God reigns at the right hand of the Father, a fact recorded for all time in our Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds
our God reigns at the right hand of the Father, a fact recorded for all time in our Apostles’ and Nicene Creedsohe ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Fatheroeven Saint Stephen, Christianity’s first martyr, while he was being stoned cried out, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
even Saint Stephen, Christianity’s first martyr, while he was being stoned cried out, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”oand from Psalm 110, “The LORD says to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’ "
and from Psalm 110, “The LORD says to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’ "-now, Jesus of the past is the risen Lord of the present who, when he returns in glory, will be Lord of the future
now, Jesus of the past is the risen Lord of the present who, when he returns in glory, will be Lord of the futureoJesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!-The physical act of the Ascension brings it all together, a form of spiritual focusing, so that we his children through the Church could be empowered from on high by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, ultimately through our individual baptisms, not for privilege, but for service as his witnesses.
The physical act of the Ascension brings it all together, a form of spiritual focusing, so that we his children through the Church could be empowered from on high by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, ultimately through our individual baptisms, not for privilege, but for service as his witnesses. -Jesus’ words ring true to this day: “…when I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” Halleluiah, our God reigns! (Revelation 19:6.)
Jesus’ words ring true to this day: “…when I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” Halleluiah, our God reigns! (Revelation 19:6.) -In the closing chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus told his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations….”
In the closing chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus told his disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations….”-These words are consistent with the prophesy given in Isaiah 9:6-7 about the Messiah yet to come: “…for a child has been born, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, prince of peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace….”
These words are consistent with the prophesy given in Isaiah 9:6-7 about the Messiah yet to come: “…for a child has been born, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, prince of peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace….”-The Ascension testifies to the authority and fulfillment of these things
The Ascension testifies to the authority and fulfillment of these thingsoImmediately following his glorious Resurrection, Jesus spoke to his frightened disciples with these comforting words, “Peace be with you,” and he said it three times for assurance. Endless peace; peace on earth, good will to men and women of all ages.
Immediately following his glorious Resurrection, Jesus spoke to his frightened disciples with these comforting words, “Peace be with you,” and he said it three times for assurance. Endless peace; peace on earth, good will to men and women of all ages. But we can’t stand around, blindly gazing upward, waiting for Jesus to come back in the same way that he went up, in other words, for a so called “Descension.”
-the cautionary words in our first lesson today from Acts said that it is not for us to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority as to when the end will come
the cautionary words in our first lesson today from Acts said that it is not for us to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority as to when the end will comeosome people are so worried about these kinds of details
some people are so worried about these kinds of detailsojust the other week, the world was supposed to end on May 21; now it has been readjusted to Oct 21, 2011.
just the other week, the world was supposed to end on May 21; now it has been readjusted to Oct 21, 2011. -we, on the other hand, are charged to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit for that very purpose of proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ
we, on the other hand, are charged to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth, empowered by the Holy Spirit for that very purpose of proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ-the first lesson and the Gospel this evening remind us, however, that this process will be a costly one as it was for our Lord.
the first lesson and the Gospel this evening remind us, however, that this process will be a costly one as it was for our Lord.-there continues to be an eternal battle between good and evil on this earth and Christ’s magnificent Ascension is testimony to the fact that God has given him authority over all people, despite the lies and clever devices of the devil
there continues to be an eternal battle between good and evil on this earth and Christ’s magnificent Ascension is testimony to the fact that God has given him authority over all people, despite the lies and clever devices of the devil-the Gospel today reaffirmed the authority of Scripture while providing the battle plan for the coming Kingdom
the Gospel today reaffirmed the authority of Scripture while providing the battle plan for the coming Kingdomohis witnesses, you and me, are to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in Christ’s name to all nations, being empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so
his witnesses, you and me, are to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in Christ’s name to all nations, being empowered by the Holy Spirit to do so -Yet despite all this great knowledge, the battle continues on this earth precisely because Jesus’ power has been let loose here, and the devil is angry.
Yet despite all this great knowledge, the battle continues on this earth precisely because Jesus’ power has been let loose here, and the devil is angry.-Jesus cautions his saints, his witnesses, to discipline themselves for the battle ahead; to cast all their worries, their anxieties, upon him because he cares for them like a Good Shepherd
Jesus cautions his saints, his witnesses, to discipline themselves for the battle ahead; to cast all their worries, their anxieties, upon him because he cares for them like a Good Shepherdoto keep alert and resist the devil, a roaring lion who is seeking to dishearten and devour God’s saints
to keep alert and resist the devil, a roaring lion who is seeking to dishearten and devour God’s saints-Instead, remain steadfast in your Ascension Day faith; know that “Jesus shall reign where‘er the sun.”
Instead, remain steadfast in your Ascension Day faith; know that “Jesus shall reign where‘er the sun.”oThat he is the true head of every ruler and authority; trust in that truth
That he is the true head of every ruler and authority; trust in that truthoYes, the Son of Man is coming again with the clouds of heaven as reported in the 7th chapter of Daniel and the 1st chapter of Revelation
Yes, the Son of Man is coming again with the clouds of heaven as reported in the 7th chapter of Daniel and the 1st chapter of RevelationAnd every eye shall see him, even those who pierced him
And every eye shall see him, even those who pierced him-This temporary suffering of ours should not surprise us as Christians because in Christ we have actively joined the conflict between good and evil.
This temporary suffering of ours should not surprise us as Christians because in Christ we have actively joined the conflict between good and evil.-Some of you may remember that famous line in the classic pre-WW II movie, Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart. In the movie, the resistance fighter Lazlo says to Rick, the American café’ owner, “welcome to the fight” when it appears that Rick is on the side of the Free French and not with the evil Nazis.
Some of you may remember that famous line in the classic pre-WW II movie, Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart. In the movie, the resistance fighter Lazlo says to Rick, the American café’ owner, “welcome to the fight” when it appears that Rick is on the side of the Free French and not with the evil Nazis. -Yes, welcome to the fight, brothers and sisters, the fight for the righteousness in Christ!
Yes, welcome to the fight, brothers and sisters, the fight for the righteousness in Christ!oOnward, Christian soldiers
Onward, Christian soldiers-Devote yourselves to prayer, and let God in his time restore, support, strengthen, and establish you, until he comes again.
Devote yourselves to prayer, and let God in his time restore, support, strengthen, and establish you, until he comes again.-Recently we celebrated as a Lessor Feast and Fast or now termed Holy Men, Holy Women, the Venerable Bede, the great 10th century monk and priest known for his historical writings of English ecclesiastical history. He died on the Eve of the Ascension, and he had written this hymn about the Ascension shortly before his death:
Recently we celebrated as a Lessor Feast and Fast or now termed Holy Men, Holy Women, the Venerable Bede, the great 10th century monk and priest known for his historical writings of English ecclesiastical history. He died on the Eve of the Ascension, and he had written this hymn about the Ascension shortly before his death:-And now, “… to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever.
And now, “… to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. AMEN.
