Going Down And Rising Up

On this last Sunday of a month that has one more day to live, we come to it, aware that during this week, we are facing a going down and a rising up. Today, as it were, we are settling ourselves with the obvious going down of a month, while awaiting the coming or rising up of a new month. In these present, living moments, let us turn our eyes fully on Jesus, Son of Man, who Himself had a going down and a rising up. Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star, Revelation 22: 16b; Jesus, the Light that shines out of darkness, truly and literally knew a going down and a rising up.

Fully conscious of this Lord’s Day final Sunday of a month, we gaze upon Jesus, Light of the world, who descended to the lower region. We make this declaration each time we repeat the Apostles' Creed. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven. Also, this is what is documented in Ephesians 4: 8 – 10. Therefore He says: When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Now this, He ascended – what does it mean but that He also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 

Jesus had a descending and although it looked like the end, it was not. After three days He rose again. Did not the religious men of high distinction, the chief priests and Pharisees, remember Jesus saying this? After three days I will rise. Matthew 27: 63b. Jesus rose again.

Therein is our confidence, hope and assurance, not only for a rising after death, but for a rising now. We trust Almighty, Creator God, who controls all times, as all times and seasons are in His Hands, in this regard. Just as there is the going down of a month, there is the rising up of another.

As many good things come to an end, we look for better things to come in Jesus. As the old academic and ecclesiastical year fades, giving way to the new academic and ecclesiastical year, we look with hope and assurance to the rising of newness, not on our own strength, but in the Strength of Jesus.

This week, we shall be following Jesus in some most unpredictable circumstances. Each will be a two-day experience. We shall end this ecclesiastical year with these mind-gripping walks and talks and welcome the new ecclesiastical year with the same. 

What a wonderful privilege we all have, who have given our lives to follow Jesus, to be able to have such special walks and talks with Him. One thing we know for certain is that as Teacher, Master and Lord, Jesus never walks with us in silence. He is forever teaching, showing, explaining and grooming us to be as He is.

Thank You Jesus, for not leaving us stranded. Thank You for the Gift of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of Truth, who continues to do for us and in us, all that You desire. Amen!