Ascension Day
6 So when they had gathered together, they began to ask him, “Lord, is this the time when you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He told them, “You are not permitted to know the times or periods that the Father has set 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 farthest parts of the earth.” 9 After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 As they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly two men in white clothing stood near them 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven.”” Acts 1:6-11 NET
Father,
Ascension day. It has sort of fallen out of fashion as a Christian festival. I suppose from the beginning it was only noted by the few disciples. They must have been confused at Jesus telling them he would be leaving and sending the Holy Spirit. Especially when he was still with them after rising from the dead! Thank You that you for this testimony of his going, and how, rather than just not being found anywhere. Not gone missing – gone home.
Sad for the disciples, but we know they were on the verge of a greater miracle, Pentecost to come. God available to all who called on Him by His Spirit. His plan was always that everyone should have the choice of Your spirit living within them. We do look forward to meeting You face to face. Even if we are a little overwhelmed by the prospect. Can we faint in heaven? Probably not, but we may be left speechless – well some of us.
Father, Your Son going away was also conformation that He is coming back one day. He promised. We have lots of questions about that. But He left victorious over death and sin and is now one home. And You are One, Father Son and Holy Spirit.
We cannot spend our lives looking up and watching for You coming back. Though You told us to keep alert and an eye out for the signs we cannot guess when. But we can live knowing You. personally. What a wonderful mystery. Help us to know You, the only true God, Who ascended into Heaven and rules through all eternity.
In Jesus name we pray.
Father,
For our family and friends. For their health and well being and a glimpse of Your glory.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. To know You are at work in them for good.
For the church worldwide that You continue to work in and through.
For new church plants to be encouraged and see Your hand at work among them.
For the royal family. Encourage King Charles and Princess Kate as they continue treatment.
For all Kings and rulers to have Your patience and kindness and wisdom to rule wisely.
For Ukraine, we plead for peace. Miraculously change the desires of Russia to peace.
For Gaza, a good future and more and continuing talks towards a peaceful way forward.
For Sudan, Myanmar, all places of conflict and Military oppression. Turn them around.
For those captive to addiction to drugs, gambling, pornography violence a way of escape in You.
For us to know You as Saviour and friend but also as King of all eternity and know Your love.
In Jesus name we ask, Amen.
Worship Thursday 9th May 2024
Crown Him with many crowns
The Lamb upon the throne
Hark How the heav’nly anthems drowns
All music but its own!
Awake, my soul And sing
Of Him Who died for thee
And hail Him as thy matchless King
Through all eternity
Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified;
no angel in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends their burning eye
at mysteries so bright.
Crown Him the Lord of peace,
Whose power a sceptre sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
And all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end,
And round His pierced feet
Fair flowers of paradise extend
Their fragrance ever sweet.
Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres
in majesty sublime:
all hail, Redeemer, hail,
for Thou hast died for me;
Thy praise shall never, never fail
through out eternity!
Lyrics: Matthew Bridges