We're Everywhere and We will Change the World

Today is called “Ascension Sunday” in commemoration of Jesus "moving on up" to Glory! Well, the actual 40-days was last Thursday -- but it takes a glorious Sunday to join in a throng together (well, maybe not a throng in body, but in spirit) to rejoice -- not only that Jesus was raised from the dead, but eye witnesses saw Him showing up and speaking up to give them "famous last words" of teaching on how to be great witnesses for Him. Acts 1:3 verifies it: "After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." I love that -- convincing proofs -- no fake news there! Hallelujah!

On the 40th day, Jesus took His apostles with Him to the Mount of Olives where they watched as He ascended to heaven. Oh, to have been an eyewitness! But, thank goodness, Jesus said in John 20:29 "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We believe! It gives me holy chills to think about it.

The last words of someone we love are typically the most important words because we hold them as a treasure. Listen to Jesus' parting words. "Go into all the world and preach the good news!" (Mark 16:15). Honestly, I've reconsidered what that looks like. Once upon a time, it was missionaries who were "sent out". But, here we are, still in the throes of the pandemic, and if ever Jesus words resound louder than ever -- it is during this time. Churches were closed but it didn't stop Christ's message from "going into all the world". We witnessed it via satellite, Zoom, social media, and many other ways.

Those who opposed and killed Jesus hoped it was a "done-deal". But, oh, contrare! Agnostics, atheists, and unbelievers -- then AND now -- must be surely disappointed. We are not hiding. We are EVERYWHERE! We need to keep reminding ourselves of that, especially when the negative voices, quarreling factions, undermining and dissentious groups try to convince us that we're a minority and on the losing team. It looked that way in Jesus' time on this earth. But, like the disciples who went on to change the world, we, too are commissioned to change our world and share the good news of love and hope -- everywhere!

There are massive numbers of us who are followers of His message. We are EVERYWHERE! It's a message we stake our lives upon. It's a message of undaunted faith and determination to love unconditionally -- even to those who oppose us so drastically. This opposition we face is not new at all. The message of Jesus will not be destroyed, stamped out, or washed from the face of the earth. The Good News of Jesus Christ still stands and still goes into the world.

Indeed, we are everywhere, and it is up to us to change our world. The more we realize the mandate of our Lord to be His devoted followers -- living out His ministry in words, actions and deeds, the more His message of love will be perpetuated. In this photo, Jesus is pointing His followers and you and me to "GO"! We are replying to that POINT: We will go, and no matter where we are -- WE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD!

God's Hand of Protection

Remember how life seemed to just coast along when we were youngsters? I’ve witnessed that in my grandsons for the last week – making the grade in class, making the varsity baseball team, making the animals happy, making their Nana happy with helping out, making the decision on which Saturday activity to do. Thankfully my boys don't have this trouble yet, but do you remember the boy or girl friend trouble that all encompassed our lives? But, then life raced along and we got older, got married and had children of our own. THEN, they became our number one focus when it came to their protection and safety, especially in this age that we are living in today.

There is nothing that causes us to be prayer warriors like having children. There was no more coasting along. Suddenly we were caretakers of little people -- all consuming loving and making sure of their well-being. My children are grown with children of their own -- and they are still at the top of my prayer petitions. So many unknowns, so many reasons to stay tight with God in keeping them secure in His love and care for them.

In raising my children and having some responsibility at times like these couple of weeks here in Austin with my youngest grandsons, I’ve always found encouragement from how Jesus boldly prayed for His followers. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed this prayer: “My prayer is not that You take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one.” (John 17:15).

Notice Jesus didn’t pray for fame, wealth, safety or for a great escape for Himself or even that His disciples get a pass and go directly into heaven. Instead, He asked His Father to protect them from our enemy, Satan, the “evil one.” Right here in this world. We don’t have to look far – to recognize him and his evil tactics. Oh, I know those times. He is easily recognizable at what started to be a pleasant, loving and communicative family time and just one wrong word gets thrown out, and suddenly chaos breaks out and replaces the peace that was there before. “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:16)

Oh how the enemy of our souls wants us to be at odds with each other. He wants us in fear and doubt. If he can plant those seeds in our minds, he can dissuade us from stepping out in faith and causing us to be fighters instead of lovers. Jesus knew we would need “protection,” because every time we say yes to God, we step a bit further into enemy territory. Yet when we take risks for God, He will protect and preserve us from the evil one.

Following God doesn’t always mean knowing each step, but knowing each step He is with us. And as we leave the concern to Him, we can watch in awe as He grants reassurance from all our doubts. Trusting God every step of the way gives us sweet assurance of seeing God’s hand of protection in miraculous ways.