SCRIPTURE FOR ASCENSION DAY

Psalm 47         Psalm 110       Acts 1:1-11      Ephesians 1:16-23      Luke 24:44-53

 

            Read John 14:1-4

 

            A couple, who lived out-of-state for part of the year made arrangements with a caretaker for their properties.  When they would call ahead about returning, one caretaker always said, “It will be in the comfort zone.”  They took great pleasure knowing that their house was prepared and in order for their return.

 

            The setting of this Gospel reading is as Jesus speaks to his disciples in the Upper Room just before they exit to Gethsemane.  He has told some troubling things that include details of his upcoming betrayal by one of them.  Again he has told them of his impending suffering and death at the hands of the authorities.  He has done something unusual as he took the servant’s position and washed their feet.  He predicts Peter’s denial.  Peter is such a bold, confident and loyal disciple no one can believe that.  One can feel the unsettling that has taken up residence deep inside each one.

 

            “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”  Jesus knows his disciples are more than unsettled.  They are very shaken and upset to the core.  They know something is in the offing but they do not know what it is and do not know what, if anything, they can do about it.  There is an unknown that now troubles them deeply as they wonder if they are prepared for what is about to happen and what it means to them.

 

 

            “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”  Jesus knows you and knows you very well.  He knows your hearts are troubled deeply with the day-to-day things of this world.  He knows your hearts are troubled wondering about the greatest unknown, the moment of death, what happens after death, and what happens when Jesus comes again in judgment at the last day.

 

            “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”  Think of the times you have heard and/or read those words in Scripture such as, “Fear not,” and “Do not be afraid.”   Aren’t those times when God’s messengers, his angels come to bring messages of good news to God’s people?  Tonight it is God himself, the one and only Son of God, who speaks these words to you.  No messenger here.  It is God almighty who says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled…trust…”

 

            When God’s presence and God’s judgment are near, each one of us has a lot to fear as we look at our sinfulness, our sins, and our inabilities to do anything to make ourselves righteous before God.  Not one of us can do even any little part of that.  We are helpless and hopeless as sinful beings.  No one can shed even one little sin from his record.

 

            God loves you and has called you to be his dear children.  God sent his Son, our Lord and Savior, to take away that fear from all and any one who trusts in Jesus for who he is and what he has done.  Jesus is the Son of God.  Jesus is the Son of Man.  Jesus is the Messiah.  Jesus is the Savior.  Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  Jesus died for all sins of all people.  Jesus rose from the grave winning victory over the devil’s most threatening weapon, death.  Today (Ascension day), Jesus ascends into heaven where God restores all honor, all glory, and all authority to him God the Father seats him at his right hand.  And Jesus has promised to come again, this time to take all who believe in him to be with him in this heavenly splendor forever and ever.

 

            “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”  In Jesus’ name, you do not need to be troubled any more.  In Jesus’ name, your heart knows that he has completed all things for you to be with him.  It is by faith you are saved.  Jesus says, “Trust in God, trust also in me.”  He is saying, “Believe in God, believe also in me.”  That is faith.  That is saving faith knowing you are saved by God’s grace through faith [Eph 2:8].

 

            Jesus tells us that he and the father are one God, who with the Holy Spirit are the three persons in the one true God.  There is no other.  Believe it and you are saved.

 

            You want to live in heaven.  God’s will is to restore you in his holy image and live in heaven with him.  Jesus now states his purpose in all that is about to occur.  “I am going there to prepare a place for you.”  When Jesus suffers and dies for your sins, he is preparing your place for you.  When Jesus rises from the grave, he is preparing your place for you.  When he sends the Holy Spirit to work the miracle of saving faith in your heart through the washing in baptism, he is preparing your place for you.  When Jesus stands in your stead at judgment, you receive the gift of his holiness and righteousness.  That is how he prepares your place for you.  

 

            The battle is over.  The victory is won.  Jesus Christ has completed all that you need to know that your eternal home is with him in our Father’s house, our eternal home, heaven itself. 

 

            Here are some other times when God told his people and you, his people today, to not be afraid:

 

Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."

 

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

 

Luke 1:30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.

 

Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

 

Luke 12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 

Matthew 28:5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

 

Revelation 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer…Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

 

            Tonight, we celebrate one of the most glorious events in our faith, Jesus’ ascension into heaven.  It is with great joy and assurance we live in faith in Christ Jesus who has prepared our eternal home “in the comfort zone” of God’s love and faithfulness to you in Christ Jesus. 

 

            In Jesus’ everlasting love and peace.  Amen.