With Great Joy!

"And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God." (Luke 24:50-53 NIV)

You watched your friend executed and then a few days later you see him walking around. You talk with him. He is risen! Can you imagine the joy in your heart at seeing your friend who was dead now lives? If that's not enough to give you joy that overflows your heart and mind, now you are outside of the city and you witnessing him being carried up into heaven. No wonder scripture tells us that the disciples "returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God."

So what's changed for us today? Jesus is still risen! He has ascended to our heavenly home; the home that he has prepared for us! This is great news! Receive the reality of this promise and share it with the people around you. Help them to know the joy that comes from knowing that Jesus lives and he lives for you and all people. Make a joyful noise, sing His praises, as you bless the Lord, your God

God's Peace - Pr. J