Jesus' Ascension - Pt. 5

 

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:23-27 ESV).

 

There was never a time during the teaching ministry of Jesus that He did not have a heavenward focus. Even as He knew the end of this ministry would be His death, Jesus continued to look beyond His earthly life. He understood there was nothing beyond death to fear; He knew the glory that awaited Him. The Ascension was merely a confirmation of what He already knew.

 

Of course this is not to minimize the suffering Jesus faced at the hands of sinful, stubborn people.  It does emphasize the implications this has for us. As God’s people, we can expect the powers of evil to treat us with the same destructive attacks. Perhaps you have been on the receiving end of others’ sinful behavior: abuse, neglect, harassment, or persecution. Jesus assures us that he knows what it is to experience hurt, and he points our attention heavenward to the glory that God reveals in his children (cf. Romans 8:18). His words sound clearly from heaven’s throne: follow me!

 

Sometimes, though, the temptation to deny Jesus comes not from hardship but from prosperity. Perhaps you have tried to live a life of self-fulfillment. Maybe you have been chasing pleasure or trying to soothe your loneliness in sinful ways. Perhaps having a relationship with Jesus embarrasses you or doesn’t seem important enough in your social circles. Jesus’ words remind us that true glory comes only from him.

 

The ascension reminds us of the glory that Jesus has with the Father right now. I hope we remember the glory of the crucified, resurrected, and ascended Lord. We must remember that even when difficulty or the appeal of riches and position seem to fill our experience Jesus is coming again. He will establish His kingdom on earth, ruling with true peace forever. Being with Him then will be a result of following Him now regardless of the suffering we may endure.