May 15, 2021

Dear Road Church Friends,

This week’s scripture reading tells the story of Jesus’ ascension. During the 40 days he appeared to his disciples he spoke to them about the kingdom,—but it was not what they thought it would be. They imagined that the former glory of the kingdom of David and Solomon would be restored. But Jesus said their primary concern should not be the pursuit of the political power that subjects people to itself. It should be the spiritual power that sets people free, and will come through the baptism with the Holy Spirit, making them witnesses of Jesus “to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus told them to wait for the baptism with the Holy Spirit which would be heaven’s gift to them, and to the whole world. Ascension Day which we observe this Sunday is not so much about Jesus’ departure as it is about his abiding presence in us through the power of his Spirit. His Ascension is the Day Jesus passed the baton of his leadership and love to his disciples and to us.

SCRIPTURE: Acts 1:3-11           SERMON: “Passing the Baton”

After his suffering Jesus presented himself alive to the disciples by many convincing proofs. He continued to appear to them over a period of forty days, teaching them about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, he told them to stay in Jerusalem, and wait there for God’s promise which would soon be fulfilled. He said, “This promise is what John spoke about when you heard him say, “I baptized you with water, but someone greater than I will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The next time he met with them, they asked him, “Lord, is this the year you will restore the nation of Israel to its former power and glory?” He replied, “The future is not for you to know. It is in the hands of the Father alone. But, know this. The Holy Spirit will descend on you as it did on me; and you will be empowered to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he had said this, they watched him ascend until he disappeared into the clouds. Suddenly two men in white robes were standing beside them. They said, “Why are you standing here gazing at the sky? Jesus is now in heaven, and you can be sure he will come back just as you saw him go.”

PROOF

If radio’s slim fingers can pluck a melody

From night—and toss it over a continent or sea;

If the pedaled white notes of a violin

Are blown across the mountains or the city’s din;

If songs, like crimson roses, are culled from thin blue air—

Why should mortals wonder if God hears prayer?

by Ethel Romig Fuller

     May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  Amen

Pastor Norm

Road Church May 16, 2021 Ascension Sunday service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Puzov4m4Kdk