64. Ascension day 2016

It is Ascension day today. Unfortunately a day people easily forget, because it is no longer a Public Holiday. But for us as Christians it is a very important day. Why? Because if Jesus didn't go back to heaven, we wouldn't have had the Holy Spirit with us today. And it was at the Mount of Olives where this happened. I was there in December, and what a wonderful sight it is. The Mount of Olives overlooks the whole of Jerusalem and looks directly at the Temple Mount. And this is exactly where Jesus will return to earth one day:

"On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west." Zechariah 14:4

What an amazing day that would be. It was wonderful to stand on the Mount of Olives and know that Jesus will return here and set up His Kingdom. He will enter Jerusalem as a King and reign from there during His earthly reign. I could see Him in my mind's eye walking towards the Temple Mount and rescuing His people and bringing peace to this earth.  We can look forward to that glorious day, and I know it is coming soon.

But until then, what does Ascension day mean for us? Well the most important thing for me is the change it brought in ordinary people. The disciples were ordinary people, they were not of the high society, influential or educated. And after Jesus' death they were scared out of their wits. They were trembling, hiding behind closed doors, afraid of the Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers. But what happened to them after Jesus ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit was sent to them? They changed from trembling ordinary people, to fearless children of the Almighty God. They no longer hid behind closed doors, but boldly came out and ministered to thousands of people. Three thousand people got saved on their first day of preaching. And because of them, we can know Christ today. They went into the world, no longer afraid, and changed the world forever. Nothing was ever the same again. They are heroes today and honoured as saints.

Today we can take courage from this. The Holy Spirit can also change us from ordinary people, no matter what our background is, into fearless sons of God. If we give our lives over to Him, He will take over the reins and lead us where we need to go. He will then give us the strength and the ability to succeed. He will open doors for us and help us. We simply need to stand up and be willing to be used by Him. There are treasures on the inside of you that God wants to use. He gave you the ability to do certain things well and He wants you to use it to the glory of His Kingdom.  He will be your Rock, your Fortress, your Shepherd leading you unto green pastures.

Come and take a stand today, Ascension day 2016, and make a conscious decision to open up your lives to His Spirit. Give Him free access and allow Him to move, do not stifle Him any longer. Miracles and wonders are around the corner. We simply need to take the first step in obedience. God is waiting to take your hand. Are you ready?

Father thank you so much for the life of Jesus. He is so wonderful and worthy to be praised forever. Thank you that He is sitting at your right hand, having obtained the victory for us. Thank you that Your Spirit is with us every moment of every day. Thank you for Your power and majesty available to us. Help us to obey You one hundred percent, we love You and are thankful that we can be Your children. Hallelujah! Amen

2 comments for “64. Ascension day 2016”

  1. Gravatar of HenriHenri
    Posted Thursday, 05 May 2016 at 9:06:39 AM

    Thank you for reminding us on Ascension Day that through the Holy Spirit we can be fearless sons of God.

  2. Gravatar of RonelleRonelle
    Posted Thursday, 05 May 2016 at 11:40:30 AM

    Thank you God for speaking to us today. We have to stop cowering in corners in fear of all the 'bad' things that are going to happen to us! With the Spirit in us we must speak life, and live in the abundance of His grace and love.

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