Devotion 5.14.26

Acts 1

The Ascension

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

It is worth noting that Luke wrote his gospel, "Luke," closely to the account known as Acts, the continuation of the ministry of Christ through the apostles. As such, he begins his second book, "Acts," with a very brief review of what transpired in the first book, including Christ's ascension. He does add some detail to the ascension that wasn't included at the end of Luke 24 (yesterday's devotion).

It is almost humorous. Luke includes in his reiteration of the Ascension of Christ in Acts a question that arises from the disciples, "Does this mean Israel is restored and back to its full glory?"

I can see Christ, the teacher, rub his forehead and sigh. "Again, with this question? Haven't I covered this before?" After three full-years with Christ, including the horrific end, to then see him rise from the dead, they still are waiting for the re-establishment of the throne of David and an earthly kingdom.

It's good to know, and reassuring to know, that we are no different. We still get it wrong from time to time and still ask similar questions. Christ is equally patient with us in his own way in this day.

The first detail was the question about the restoration of the nation of Israel. The second was the addition of the two angels after Christ ascended, much like the two angels near the tomb in his account in his gospel of the resurrection. Their question is similar as well. "Why do you...?" We give thanks for God, speaking through Luke, for giving us details in his accounts that give us knowledge that Christ is among the living and that we are not to stand waiting for Christ's return looking skyward, but rather we are to be in constant motion sharing his Word among the living.

We are weak and feeble at times, regardless of age. Christ, before and during his ascension, assures us we have access to his helper, who can strengthen us. He can also give us the words needed as we share his Word to the world and to move our gaze to the world around us so we can see those in need.

Pray with me: Gracious Father, Thank you for your Word. Your Word teaches us, admonishes us, gives us direction, hope and comfort. Help us to not be people who stand flat-footed. Help us to not be people staring at the sky, waiting for your return. Help us to be people of action, sharing your Word through meaningful interactions with people we come into contact with daily. In Christ's name, Amen.

Hope Men's Ministry is a ministry in service to Hope Lutheran Church and School. Our purpose is to grow, unite, and share God's Word to all men through meaningful activities. These activities center on fellowship, service, conversation, prayer, study and devotion as we seek to become men of God as He created us to be.