Sitting at God's Right Hand

The Apostle's Creed summarizes the most important aspects of Jesus' life. It tells us that he was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and was buried, and that on the 3rd day he rose from the dead. This was his earthly ministry.

Then he ascended to heaven.

One wonders what Jesus is doing now.

The Creed tells us he currently sits at God's right hand. This is royal language harkening back to an era when Kings were absolute rulers and could choose an honored person to sit at the most favorable spot: next to him on his right. Anyone privileged enough to be seated in this special place was highly honored and had the King's ear.

Ephesians 1. 19-23 tells us that Jesus is seated in this honored place and now has authority far above any ruler, dominion, power, etc. Basically Jesus has been enthroned next to the King and given unlimited authority over the lesser authorities of this world.

And Jesus, having the ear of the King, is regularly talking to the King on your behalf.

Any problem we have in this life must be seen in light of the absolute authority of the one we serve, and the active intercession that is going on for us.

This powerful Jesus is chatting with the Father about your challenges. This is truly good news. What might those challenges be?

Ascended into Heaven

About 50 days after the resurrection Jesus went back to heaven (ascended). People have pictured this in a variety of ways. The renaissance painters had him waving goodbye from a cloud. Others pictured the Ascension as a kind of disappearing act. The book of Acts says that he was taken up into the sky and hidden by a cloud.

In any event, Jesus was gone, leaving the disciples to fend for themselves without their leader. This must have felt like utter desertion, especially when they learned that they had been given the assignment of carrying on their leader's mission in his absense. Now it was their job to preach the good news, give sight to the blind, release the captives, and set the prisoners free.

Tough job: who can possibly do it?

The power came on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came. Now men and women who were previously wimpy for God were now given boldness and fruitful ministry. Great things began to happen: thousands were converted, miracles happened, and the church spread like wildfire. And the ones doing the most for God were common men and women like you and me.

We need to remember that we were put on this earth to carry on the mission of Jesus. We are not here to accumulate trinkets or experience thrills or seek pleasure or have our owies kissed. We are here to do the work of Jesus now that he has ascended into heaven.

What do you feel passionate about that needs to be changed in the world? What part of Jesus' mission lights your fire?

On the Third Day He Rose From the Dead

• There once was a man whose mission in life was to accomplish five things:
  
  1. Make the world a good place for the poor
  2. Set prisoners free
  3. Make the blind see
  4. Release the oppressed
  5. Announce that God's Kingdom is now here on earth (Luke 4.18-19)
  
  That man was Jesus. His mission was HUGE. His mission was virtually impossible. His mission was the Biggest Hairiest Most Audacious Goal of all time. And he was pulling it off. Until he got crucified.
  
  His followers were devastated. Their dream was over. Their leader was dead. It was a long depressing Friday; followed by a long, depressing Saturday.
  
  But then came Sunday and he rose from the dead.
  
  Turns out that "Mission Impossible" had became "Mission Accomplished" over the weekend. On the cross Jesus set us free, gave us sight, and paid the price for our release.
  
  Imprisoned by lonliness? Because of Easter, you are set free.
  In bondage to bad habits and behaviors? The power is broken. You can be free.
  Guilty over past bad choices? You are forgiven and set free.
  Involved in sexual and relational ruts that debilitate you? The door is unlocked. You can be free.
  Consumed by money and stuff and things that don't satisify? You are empowered to be free.
  Spinning your wheels in pursuit of a thrill? Get off the tredmill. You are now free.
  
  Easter is the most glorious of all holidays. It celebrates the power of God to make you new and set you free. The jail door is open. Come out of your cell. Be free!
  
  What are the things in your life that hold you back and keep you in bondage? What things do you need to walk away from?