And I Look for the Resurrection of the Dead…

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” -Acts 1:10-11

This past Thursday marked our celebration of the Ascension of Jesus. The time we remember Christ leaving His earthly ministry to be seated at the right hand of God. The time He left His disciples physically, but remained with them in Spirit.

I wonder what that must have been like. To witness the departure of Jesus; to watch Him shrink away as the clouds enveloped Him. It must have been one of the most exciting and terrifying times to be a disciple! Jesus, the One with the master plan, is taken up into heaven and the Church is charged to go and make more disciples in His name.

The disciples needed to have faith. An eyes open kind of faith. Sometimes we make faith out to be this thing where if we just close our eyes, cross our fingers, and wish for the best God will take care of us.

But faith is hardly wishful thinking.

It’s the kind of trust that leads a Christian into the world with open eyes, daring to touch lives for the sake of Jesus. It’s the man or woman at a bedside of a dying friend, searching for words of comfort and hope. It’s Peter standing before thousands and proclaiming the work Christ has done for them.

Faith is looking. Looking first to God, then looking for the chance to make Him real in this life. This is what the early church was privileged to do. And because of those first faithful men and women, you and I continue to live in resurrection hope.

So keep your head straight and eyes open. Christ is coming. And there are many more who need to be looking with us.

Enjoying the Journey,

Pastor Doug