Ascension Day!

40 days after Passover, when Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins according to the Scriptures, was buried and resurrected according to the Scriptures, he stood on Olivet across a valley from the city of Jerusalem and was taken up to heaven.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3, ESV)

“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:4-7, ESV)

Luke records that Jesus spent 40 days with his disciples before ascending to the Father. Before he ascends, he tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the Promised Holy Spirit. In the coming days there will be brief devotions that invite you to prepare your heart in prayer like we see the disciples doing as they waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

But for today, take a deep breath and remember: Jesus is preparing a place for you to be with Him forever. All of this happened thousands of years ago. He knew you then and loved you. He moved human history so that you might be with him. Receive His love that is expressed in these events that we are pondering.