Ascension Sunday, May 16, 2010
Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23

If you count the days from Easter, last Thursday was number 40. According to Acts 1:3, that was when Jesus led his disciples out of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives and from there he ascended into heaven. Today we remember and celebrate this important event in the life of Jesus. Our church calendar remembers the events in Jesus' life: his birth, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming. That last has not happened yet, but we look forward to it. As with everything in the life of Jesus, it is not just the historical event we remember, but the theological meaning, that is, the meaning it has for us in our relationship with God. Jesus did these things for a wonderful purpose, that is, to save us from our sins, to make us friends of God, to give us eternal salvation. And it is the same with his ascension. Today, we want to find why it is so important for us.

For about three years, Jesus was always with his disciples, teaching and training them for his mission. They were disciples, he was their mentor. We hear the word "mentor" a lot these days. We used to say "disciple and teacher" or "disciple and master" or "apprentice and master," now-a-days maybe it is "disciple and mentor" or "trainee and sponsor." It's a good way of education, it combines theory and on-the-job training, and observing the teacher to see how to put the theory into action. It is a good way for us in the church, too. The Twelve Disciples observed Jesus for three years and now they were ready to go out and proclaim the Gospel to all nations, starting in Jerusalem, then "in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." And so the Ascension, for the disciples is both a graduation ceremony and a commission ceremony for their new job.

The disciples might seem lonely when their teacher/mentor/sensei leaves them after three years together. But Jesus promises to send them the Holy Spirit to be their new mentor, who would give them power to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world.

There is another important thing about the ascension. The Ephesians lesson, 1:20-22, talks about the new address of Jesus. He is seated at the right hand of the Father. That means that Jesus is not physically present on earth now, he is in heaven. That does not mean that he is not with us, it means that he has more power to be with us no matter where we are! Ephesians 1:21 says he is "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way!" That means that Jesus is God Almighty, for the benefit of the church; for the benefit of you and me.

Where is Jesus? He's in heaven, sitting on the right hand of God. But that is not the answer we want to hear. When we ask "Where is Jesus?" it is the same as asking "Where is television remote?" We want the remote in our hand right now so that we can use it right now. When we ask "Where is Jesus?" what we really are asking is that Jesus be present with us here and now, because we need him here right now. Sometimes our lives seem lonely or there doesn't seem anyone around to help us. It would be nice if Jesus could come and talk to us like he did to his disciples. It would be nice if Jesus could come and do a miracle for us or heal us. Sometimes when we are having problems, it would be nice to see a sign of his presence, an indication that he was with us. We want Jesus to be with us to strengthen our faith.

Do you want to find Jesus? First, you can find him in his Word. When we read the Bible we find the message that Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the age (Mt.28:20). Psalm 50:15 says, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." In Matthew 18:20 Jesus says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Jesus is with us when we gather to pray and worship him. So, where the Word of the Gospel is read or spoken or sung, Christ is present. Christ is present with us right here, right now. That is why we worship him all the more! That is why we have confidence when we pray to him, for we know he is here to hear us. And if he is going to take all the trouble to come into our little group to listen to our songs and prayers, then he will take all the trouble to answer our prayers, too. That is why he is with us! That is why Jesus took all the trouble to come down to earth to suffer and die on the cross. He really does care about us. He wants to forgive our sin and be with us forever!

Jesus was with the disciples for three years. Wouldn't it be nice if he could be with us in the same way! "Why did Jesus go away?" "So he might be equally close to all of us." Jesus went away so that he could be close, close to all of us. He is no longer limited with a physical body, he is not confined to Palestine. He is not limited to being with only the twelve disciples. He is God Almighty, able to be close to all of us. He comes in his Word. He comes when we seek him, for before we even start looking, he has already found us! As we read his Word, he becomes our mentor, teaching us the meaning of life. And the meaning of life is, to be with and to worship our Lord Jesus Christ! And the greatest worship is this: to receive the forgiveness of sins, to acknowledge all that our Lord and Savior has done for us with thanksgiving and praise.

Christ has ascended! Thanks be to God!

Amen.

Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church