Pastor Ray’s Corner
On May 9, we will celebrate the Ascension of Jesus. Ascension Day is always 40 days after Easter. And talk about heartbreak! Imagine the roller coaster the disciples have been through. First, Jesus was arrested, and then he died on the cross. They thought that was the end. Then three days later, he rises from the dead – a bit changed, but alive! Then a mere 40 days after that, he leaves again – he ascends back to heaven. And this time, the leaving is for good.
Or is it “for good?” Well, yes, and yes. Yes, after the Ascension, Jesus never again returned in bodily form to earth. And he won’t, until he returns at the end of time. So yes, in his Ascension, Jesus DID leave his disciples “for good.” But he also left them “for good.” Here, let Jesus explain it, as he explained to his disciples during his farewell speech in John’s Gospel: “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:6-7).
Get it? It was for our “good” that Jesus left, so that he could then send the Holy Spirit (the Advocate) to us. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity, and also in a sense the very spirit of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit can do what Jesus (in bodily form) could never do – the Holy Spirit can be with each and every believer, in every time and place, providing the very same comfort and guidance and mercy that Jesus provides, because it IS the spirit of Jesus.
And we know that ten days AFTER his Ascension, on the Day of Pentecost (May 19 this year), Jesus DID send the promised Holy Spirit, to be with all believers forever. So yes, Jesus DID leave his disciples “for good,” but it was for their “good,” and for our “good” as well.
See the article in the newsletter for opportunities to celebrate Jesus’ Ascension, and be grateful for what he did and continues doing for us.
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Ray
On May 9, we will celebrate the Ascension of Jesus. Ascension Day is always 40 days after Easter. And talk about heartbreak! Imagine the roller coaster the disciples have been through. First, Jesus was arrested, and then he died on the cross. They thought that was the end. Then three days later, he rises from the dead – a bit changed, but alive! Then a mere 40 days after that, he leaves again – he ascends back to heaven. And this time, the leaving is for good.
Or is it “for good?” Well, yes, and yes. Yes, after the Ascension, Jesus never again returned in bodily form to earth. And he won’t, until he returns at the end of time. So yes, in his Ascension, Jesus DID leave his disciples “for good.” But he also left them “for good.” Here, let Jesus explain it, as he explained to his disciples during his farewell speech in John’s Gospel: “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:6-7).
Get it? It was for our “good” that Jesus left, so that he could then send the Holy Spirit (the Advocate) to us. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity, and also in a sense the very spirit of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit can do what Jesus (in bodily form) could never do – the Holy Spirit can be with each and every believer, in every time and place, providing the very same comfort and guidance and mercy that Jesus provides, because it IS the spirit of Jesus.
And we know that ten days AFTER his Ascension, on the Day of Pentecost (May 19 this year), Jesus DID send the promised Holy Spirit, to be with all believers forever. So yes, Jesus DID leave his disciples “for good,” but it was for their “good,” and for our “good” as well.
See the article in the newsletter for opportunities to celebrate Jesus’ Ascension, and be grateful for what he did and continues doing for us.
Peace and Blessings,
Pastor Ray
St. Paul's United Church of Christ
2300 East Main Street
Sacramento, PA 17968
570-682-9828
[email protected]
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