METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA
DIOCESE OF OSOGBO
SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, 24TH MAY, 2020.
GOD’S WORD TO GOD’S PEOPLE.
THEME: “The Ascension of Christ.”
“Igoke re orun Kristi.”
TEXT: Acts of the Apostles 1:9-11
“After saying this, he (Jesus) was taken up into a cloud while they (disciples) were watching, and they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them.” Men of Galilee, they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go”
The Acts of the Apostles, sometimes called “The Acts of the Holy Spirit”, is said to have been written by Dr. Luke as the second volume to compliment his first book – The gospel according to Luke. (Luke 1:3-4; Acts 1:1-2) His intention was to present a detail record of what would serve as a bridge between the four (4) gospels, especially his own writing, and the Epistles written to churches and some individuals. Acts of the Apostles, therefore, is the continuation of the gospel according to Luke (Luke 24:50-53 cf Acts 1:1-3). The two books (Luke & Acts) were addressed to the same recipient called “Theophilus” who was probably an important Roman officer (Acts 23:26, 24:3, 26:25). This Theophilus could either be an individual who likely was a Christian or a group of believers who were seen as friends of God, because the Greek name “Theophilus” originally meant “friend of God” or “lover of God.” We may then conclude that Acts is written by Dr. Luke to all friends or lover of God to narrate what happened next after he had left the disciples of Jesus Christ in the temple where they were praising God in the gospel account (Luke 24:53) Having explained what Jesus Christ did and taught while on earth in the gospel, Dr. Luke went further to relate what Jesus continued to do and teach through the Church (his spiritual body) after the ascension in the Acts of the Apostles.
Jesus Christ did not leave his Apostles immediately after his resurrection, he remained on earth for 40 days ministering to them. Though he had opened their minds through what he said and did to understand the Old Testament message about himself (Luke 24:44-48), Jesus still felt that there were many more lessons they needed to learn in order to finish the “Unfinished business” of the kingdom he left for them. He used his post-resurrection and pre-ascension special ministry to teach the believers several important lessons which included but not limited to the following:
1. The reality of his resurrection (Acts 1:3a) Before the 40days post-ascension special ministry, some disciples might have had their doubt (Mk. 16:9-14), but now no one can question the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He gave the disciples many infallible proofs just to strengthen their faith, because the spiritual power of the Church depends on the reality of his resurrection. (Rom.10:9-10; 1Cor.15:1-8) By words, walk and mighty works the believers tell the world that Jesus is alive. The same is expected of us (Christians) today.
2. The establishment of God’s kingdom (Acts 1:36). Different from the political view of the Apostle about the kingdom of God, here Jesus refers to the reign of God over the hearts and lives of all who trust him (Matt.6:33; Rom.14:17). This reign of God is both now and in the future. When we surrender all to him, God takes over the affairs of human beings and rule supreme over them. But the time of the final consummation of his kingdom is not revealed to anyone. Rather God wants all to be curious about the future but to be busy in the present, sharing the message of his spiritual kingdom (Acts 8:12; 14:22). Let us go and tell the world that the kingdom of God is at hand.
3. The power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-8) John, the Baptist, had already confirmed the prophecy of Joel about the future baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matt.3:11; John 1:33) which Jesus Christ also spoke about before his ascension in Acts 1:4&8. He explained that the coming of the Holy Spirit would be an enduement of power for the disciples in order to serve the Lord and do his will. (Lk.24:49) Here verse 8 is important as it shows that the power of the Church comes from the Holy Spirit and not from human being (Zech. 4:6). Experience of John Welsey on 24th May, 1842 is a living example of what the Holy Spirit can do in the life of any saved person. When John Welsey became saved by faith, he received the Holy Spirit as he felt his heart strangely warmed within him. He received unction to function. The same power is available to us today even as we celebrate John Welsey’s day this 24th May, 2020.
4. The assurance of Christ’s second coming (Acts 1:9-11). Jesus’ ascension into heaven should be seen as a necessary part of his ministry because of the following reasons:
i. If he had not returned to the Father in heaven through his ascension, he could not have sent the Holy Spirit whom he promised as a gift to the believers. (John 16:5-15)
ii. If Christ had not ascended into heaven, Christians would not have gotten the Saviour as their interceding High Priest, who daily gives them the grace they need for life and service (Heb. 4:14-16)
iii. The ascension of Christ has also given believers the privilege of having an Advocate before the Father, forgiving us when we confess and repent of our sins (1John 1:9-22)
iv. Jesus Christ’s ascension has given us the assurance that we have a builder in heaven who is preparing many mansions in heaven for the Church and will definitely come to take the believers home (John 14:1-4)
v. By his ascension, the exalted and glorified Christ is now working with his people on earth through the Holy Spirit and helping them to do his purpose (Mk. 16:19-20)
vi. The ascension gives all believers the assurance that Jesus Christ who was taken up will come again the same way he went into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11) The angels witnessed to this. In the same way Christians are commissioned to go and tell the world that the ascended Christ is coming back again to take believers home and judge the world in righteousness (Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8). Are you ready for this end-time mission?
Let us pray.
Rt. Rev. A.K.O. Ogunrinde, JP, FICT.
Bishop, Diocese of Osogbo.
Chairman OS-CAN.
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