1st Sunday after Ascension 24th May 2020
I greet you my brothers and sisters in Jesus’ name. I do hope that you and your loved ones are doing well in spite of the current circumstances. I bring you greetings from the Clergy Team at St. Luke’s Chapel, Mulago
Today is the 1st Sunday after Christ’ ascension to heaven. And so my brothers and sisters as we remember His Ascension, I would like us to reflect on its meaning. I mean why would Jesus have to go back to heaven so soon, at 33 years of life, one would say he was in the prime of his life!!!!! One would even imagine that after his triumphant resurrection from the dead, Jesus would have stayed around say for another year or so to prove to his enemies that he indeed was alive and well.
And so brethren as we reflect on the significance of Christ’s ascension to heaven, I want to share three thoughts I have been reflecting on. Interestingly each of these three thoughts could be an independent sermon of its own ( in my opinion) but allow me to share briefly here.
1.Jesus’ life purpose for his physical presence on earth was done.
John 19:28-30 “28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst.29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up His spirit.”
“It is finished” is the English translation of the Greek word Tetelestai, which was the last thing Jesus’ said before dying on the cross. Tetelestai comes from the verb teleo, which means “to bring to an end, to complete, to accomplish.” It’s a crucial word because it signifies the successful end to a particular course of action
Why are you here on earth my friend? What is your life’s purpose? Are you just moving on in life ‘faaaaa’? please forgive the slung You need to discover your life’s purpose in God and when you walk in that purpose for your life, you will live a fulfilled life.
Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days,that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
The request “teach us to number our days” means that we need God to reveal to us the brevity of life. That revelation will help us grow wise, and wisdom is important because the choices we make during our brief stay on earth have eternal consequences.
1.Unless i go the comforter will not come John 16:7-14 “7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you
In his physical body, Jesus could only be in one place at a time, but when the Holy Spirit came, he dwells in many people at the same time, all over the world, no limitations…
So when Jesus ascended to heaven, the Father sent us the Holy Spirit, our comforter, helper, wisdom etc.
Have you asked for the Holy Spirit’s help or comfort or counsel in this period?
1.I go to prepare a place for you
John 14:2-3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Jesus had to go back to the Father in heaven so that He prepares a place for you and me. My sister, my brother, do you have the assurance of eternal life? Do you know where you will spend your eternity? Do you have the assurance of salvation?
John 1:9-13 “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him,He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God”.
If you are in that place where you have convinced yourself that you are a good Christian because you were baptized and confirmed and you attend church regularly BUT you know deep in your heart that you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, would you like to take a moment and invite Him into your heart as your personal Lord and Saviour. Blessings to you all.
Rev.Dr.Ricky Byaruhanga, Associate chaplain
