Thursday 17 May 2007

The Ascended Christ

(View Daily Bread)
Hebrews 4:9-16 (NIV)
9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
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What the ascension means to believers:

It speaks of an accomplished redemption.
Hebrews 8:1 (NIV)
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.

The Savior's high-priestly work.
Hebrews 4:14 (NIV)
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

His lordship over the church.
Ephesians 1:22 (NIV)
And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.

His intercession for us with His heavenly Father
1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Acts 2:33 (NIV)
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

The Lord's presence with us today.
Matthew 28:20 (NIV)
And teaching them to obey everything I have command you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

The expectation of His return to this earth.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NIV)
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

As a new believer, I only got to know about the Ascension Day today. What great joy to read through the previous verses! I'm thankful Lord Jesus, for all the works that You've done. Help me fix my eyes on You, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and I know my joy will be in abundance!

Thank You O Lord, for guiding my life and leading me back onto the path leading into eternity. I'll keep following You forever and ever! All glory and honor and praise be unto You!

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty!

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