Pastor Brett Ehlke
Because He Lives—It is easy to become so engrossed in the details of historical events—who, when, and where—that we miss their significance. For example, consider World War II. For a moment just imagine the Allies had lost. How would the world be different today? What would life be like for those of Jewish heritage? Would we be speaking German? With historical events, you miss out if you focus only on the details because you also need to focus what that historical event means. The Allies won. That means something!
In this season of Easter, it is good we review the details: who, when, where. That reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is not fairytale or fable. It is a historical event. . . the historical event. However, we do ourselves a disservice if we simply recall the historic details of Easter without thinking long and hard about Easter’s significance. Jesus won. That means something! Because he lives, not only is our eternity secure, but we have abundant resources to face the present.
He Reigns Over Everything for the Benefit of His Church—When the Church gathers, it regularly remembers Christ’s ascension. The words “He ascended into heaven” are found in the three ecumenical creeds Christians use to confess their faith. In addition, the Church sets aside a day each year to focus on Christ’s ascension. This is for good reason. Jesus’ ascension marked the fact that his work was complete, in one sense. Never again will a sacrifice for sins need to be made. However, Jesus’ ascension also marks that, in another sense, his work is just beginning.
Through the Church, Jesus now proclaims forgiveness of sins throughout the world. The Church consists of people like us who are often weak and timid witnesses for Christ. So, Jesus promised to send us his Spirit to give us power from heaven, that we might take the gospel to the ends of the earth. More, he ascended into heaven and sat down on the throne of God. He lives and reigns over everything for the benefit of his Church.
Because He Lives—He Reigns Over Everything for the Benefit of His Church
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