A Seminal Moment

 

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:15-23 ESV).

 

It’s been over half a century since I first saw the Smoky Mountains. That was a “seminal moment” in my life. I’m not sure I knew the full impact that experience would have in my life; however, it was a singular life-changing moment. I’ve been to many wonderful places both here and abroad. But, for a young man, never having traveled more than a hundred miles from Galveston, Texas, it was huge! I cannot remember how many times I have told and retold that story, but that’s the impact it had in my life. And, I have revisited the Smokies many times since. Each time I find another wonder that adds to the impact of that place in my life.

 

That’s the thought that comes to my mind when I revisit our reading today. Some stories are so good that they simply need to be told again and again. The ascension is one of those stories. As Jesus’ followers looked back on that day when he ascended into heaven, they began to see how it marked a turning point in their understanding of him as the Son of God. Until that time, they had worked alongside Jesus, recognizing him as a great teacher and miracle worker. But after Ascension Day, they began to realize he is the Lord of all.

 

Many of our daily routines feel rather “un-cosmic.” We talk to our neighbors, drive to work, pay our bills, wash our clothes, and so on. We may feel stuck in life’s routine. Yet God’s Spirit wants us to see that the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand is at work in us. God can transform our routine chores and conversations into expressions of his love. The same authority that the ascended Christ has as Lord of all extends into our routine actions and interactions.