Monthly Letter - May 2012

On May 17th we celebrate a very special day, Ascension Day. It’s the day when we remember that Jesus Ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father. It happened 40 days after the resurrection had taken place and during those forty days Jesus met with his disciples on several occasions both to encourage them and give them final instructions. And then, on the Mount of Olives, the time came for him to return to heaven. What a wonderful moment that must have been! What a worrying time it must have been also. The one they had depended on for three years, the one who had been their guide, their tutor, their strength, their comfort, would not be with them physically any more. But in John 16:7 Jesus made an important statement to his followers:

‘But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away.’ John 16:7

So why was it good that Jesus should leave them and return to the Father?

1.    He sent the Holy Spirit to live in every believer. John 16:7 They would not be alone at all because the Holy Spirit would be with them to comfort, guide, strengthen, teach and train them. As they set out to carry the gospel to people everywhere, the Holy Spirit would enable them to spread the message of salvation with power because he would work in and through them to convict people of their need for forgiveness. John 16:8-11

2.    He now pleads to God the Father on our behalf.1 John 2:1 There are times when we let God down and we feel ashamed and broken as a result. But the wonderful news is that Jesus ‘speaks to the Father in our defence,’ and he pleads for us on the basis of the forgiveness that he purchased on the cross where all our sins were washed away. We therefore need not carry any guilt – Jesus has paid the price for our sin in full.

3.    He has gone to prepare a place for us. John 14:3 Death need have no fear for those who have placed their trust in Jesus because he has reserved a place for them in heaven where they will be with him forever. No more pain, no more sorrow but an eternity of peace and adventure in the presence of the God who loves us so much.

4.    Scripture promises that one day he will return just as he ascended. Acts 1:11. If we are still alive when he returns, to will go to be with him for ever!

So what do we do in the meantime? Jesus gave us the answer when he said:

‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ina the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Rev. Aubrey Cardy