The Bethany Bullet -Week of June 4, 2017

Text: Luke 24:44-53

"At Bethany He blessed them."

These words, and thus this blessing, took place at Jesus' Ascension.

Jesus' Ascension delivers a Trio of Blessings.  

First, just as Jesus' resurrection assures us that the Father accepts Christ's sacrifice, so the Ascension assures us that we have direct access to God through Christ.

Second, Christ's Ascension makes possible His promise to be with each believer wherever they are.  During His earthly ministry Jesus was in one location at a time.  When He was with Peter, James and John on the mount or in the garden the other disciples were not with Him; thus Jesus was not with them personally. Now Ascended Christ is with each and every disciple no matter where they are.

Third, at His Ascension Jesus fulfills His pledge to send His Spirit. Prior to His Ascension the Spirit, who is and has always been the author of faith and life, dwelt within the community; now following Jesus Ascension the Spirit dwells within each believer individually.

These three gifts we, who call Bethany home, are blessed to remember every time we come to campus and recall the Ascension text that declares, "At Bethany He blessed them."

-Pastor Kevin Kritzer