Our Lord's Testimony

On yesterday’s offering, we looked at well-known and well-used Creeds of the Christian Church. Today, as we come fully prepared to be bathed, cleansed and filled with ascending words of truth, we ask that our faith be strengthened in Him as we receive.

We will be viewing, with increased zeal, intention and purpose, references from the Bible. These references, which have been the basis for both Creeds viewed yesterday, have been more than references to me. In hearing and seeing them again, and many others also, in this highlighted time of remembrance, I have really been taken back. There is a solemn, a holy respect, divine obeisance and personal, reverent awesomeness, as these living words and scenes capture me all over again. I know that our Lord’s Ascension will become more in you and to you also.

May our living, patient, working Holy Spirit, channel, change and challenge every single one of us who is reading this, as never before, to His unmistakable honour and Glory.

Our Biblical references have come under two distinct headings. Today, we will receive from the lips of Jesus Himself concerning His Ascension.

This is what Jesus said to Mary, whose life He had changed into one pleasing to His Father. When He rose, He went to Mary to let her know that He was no longer dead; He had risen. Jesus said to her, Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. John 20: 17 ESV. One of the many things we are being shown, is that Jesus wanted His brothers, His disciples, that is, to not just know that He had risen, but He was careful to give Mary this especially important message, to tell the brethren. Have you ever thought about it? Jesus was particularly concerned about His disciples knowing about His Ascension. Our Risen Lord has not changed, for He still sends messengers to us with information regarding His Ascension. Do you believe this to be true? Only by faith will you know this as a fact in you.

Here is an occasion when it seemed strange and even out of context for Jesus to mention His Ascension. While teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus spoke some words which His disciples found extremely hard to accept, obey and follow. Jesus had told them that whoever ate His body and drank His blood, had eternal life and He would raise them up at the last day. He also told them that He came from heaven for He was sent by Father God. John tells us that many, not a few, but many of Jesus’ followers said that it was too hard a teaching and they simply could not accept it. Jesus, saw their attitude and how they were grumbling and spoke these words. Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before? John 6: 61b - 62.

Has Jesus just alluded to the fact that His Ascension is a more offending fact than the fact of people receiving everlasting life through feeding on Him? This I know for sure. Some followers of Jesus believe in substantiation, while others are offended by it and believe in the symbolism of the bread and wine eaten and drunk in remembrance of Jesus. Whichever is your belief, be it known that the Ascension of the Son of Man is much harder to accept. Our Risen Master has not changed, for He still speaks of His Ascension as the Son of Man, as no easy teaching. Do you believe this to be true? Only by faith, will you live this as a fact in your life.

The final reference shows Jesus teaching and telling His disciples many things about His suffering and death. Of course they are very sad, but Jesus consoles and comforts them. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. John 16: 28. Has Jesus not clearly stated that He descended to earth to do His Father’s Work and now it was time for Him to ascend, back to His Father? Our Risen Jesus has not changed, for He still teaches us that He descended from the Father in Heaven and therefore must ascend back to His Heavenly Father. Do you believe this to be true? Only by faith, will you realize this as a fact in your life.

Referencing continues tomorrow.