In his introduction to the Book of Acts (1:1-5) Luke tells us that after Jesus was raised from the dead he appeared numerous times to his followers over a period of forty days before he was taken up (v 2) in what is known as his ascension. During this time he accomplished at least three things. (1) He showed himself to be genuinely alive again with many proofs (v 3), though his body had new resurrection characteristics. (2) He also spent time speaking to his disciples about the kingdom of God (v 3), that is, his royal rule over all things. No doubt this involved opening their eyes to understand the Scriptures, and to clarify how the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalm were fulfilled in Jesus’ death and resurrection (see Luke 24:44-47). (3) He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem until they were empowered through baptism with the Holy Spirit (which occurred ten days later at Pentecost).
As we reflect on the Ascension and Pentecost it is our desire to wait appropriately for divine enablement to live effectively for our Lord as his kingdom people. Though we do not wait for the day of Pentecost itself, we do wait for the Lord’s return. So our reflections will focus on how we can wait responsibly for the promised return of Jesus.
Each devotional is structured in three parts to provide consistency of presentation, and make it easy to follow and respond:
Read
Key Scripture passages will be suggested, and hopefully read prayerfully, to provide the basis for reflection and consideration of the thoughts that follow. It is important to listen to God first, as found in his Word, before focusing on our own comments. So please read and ponder the Scriptures as you listen for the voice of God. I have quoted from the ESV.
Reflect
The thoughts I provide are an effort to pull together main ideas from the biblical texts for our learning and spiritual growth. Hopefully they will prompt serious consideration and reflection to help us increase in faith and obedience to Christ. The suggestions on how these thoughts might apply in our personal and corporate lives are but the beginning of what, hopefully, the readers will continue to explore for themselves. If these reflections are read together with others in your family or with friends, then discuss them and seek further application to our life together as a Christian community.
Respond
The responses come as suggestions on how to apply the Scriptures to our lives. Readers are encouraged to add their prayers in ways that are pertinent to their own lives, and respond to the challenge of the Scripture passages.
It may be helpful to approach these reflections with a fourfold prayer to our Lord based on the 139th Psalm.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
(1) Teach me: so I may learn something new or fresh from your Word.
(2) Try me: so I can forsake wrong and correct my ways.
(3) Train me: so I can follow your guidance in my life.
(4) Transform me: so I will clearly reflect your image into the world.
Enjoy the journey with Bible in hand and prayer on your lips as you reflect on the ascension of Jesus and the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, seeking its significance for your life.
Dr Erwin Penner