Ascension

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:8-9

What is the significance of the ascension of Christ for faith in times of difficulty and loss? The ascension was the RESET BUTTON for the disciples. They were fearful, bewildered and lost after the Cross. The post-appearances of Jesus after resurrection was a time He gathered His leadership team together. He gave them encouragement, and more importantly, direction.

The ascension reset the disciple’s mission. It gave them an expectation of the coming Comforter and with it, a new season. Christ did not directly answer the disciples’ question on when the kingdom would be restored to Israel. However, they obeyed His word and waited for the advent of the Holy Spirit. They were unaware of the day, nor the nature of this significant encounter they were about to experience. Faith never has all the answers. The nature of faith is to walk in the unknown, the mysteries of God.

Our loss and difficulty with its many unanswered, questions does not mean our faith in God is shaken. Suffering can push the reset button and keep us looking past our limited view to the one who is the King of kings and truly, Lord of all.

During the Covid-19 pandemic there are many unanswered questions. It is a rapidly changing time. What I do know and am certain of is that God has not changed. His promises in the Word of God are still applicable. They will help you walk through this crisis. Walk in faith and trust God.