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| Jesus' Ascension. Pixabay image |
After His resurrection on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to the disciples according to the Bible and told them how to share the story of salvation through Jesus' sacrifice.
He (Jesus) said to them (the disciples), "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms."
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with the power from on high."
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and bless them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:44 -53 NIV
When I was growing up in Janesville, if there was a service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, our family was there, every Sunday and weekdays too. I believe I was less than 10, one particular Thursday evening for a service commemorating the Ascension of Christ.
The pastor made a comment I've never forgotten, although I'm not sure if it was an observation about the service or during his sermon message, but he encouraged the congregation gathered for the service to celebrate Ascension like Christmas or Easter because it's a big deal. And he suggested celebrating with ice cream!
After church that night, mom and dad took me to the neighborhood Dairy Queen for a cone.
It's been years since we've attended a Lutheran church that observes Ascension with a service, but Mt. Olive in Madison has one tonight. I plan to go and then celebrate with ice cream!
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