Assurance in Ascension ….

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things. And He gave some, apostles; prophets; evangelists; teachers and shepherds.

– Ephesians 4:10, 11

I remember this old story of what must have happened in heaven after Jesus rose up from the dead and ascended to the heavens.

Since the throne of the Lord Jesus was empty for thirty three and half years, all the hosts in heaven and all the angels were waiting with much expectations to receive and see their Master seated on the throne again. Lo and behold, there came the Lord Jesus, entering the gates of heaven walking to His throne and the angels began to shout and praise welcoming their Master. But, as Jesus came nearer and nearer there fell a great silence and they stopped shouting praises. This was because they saw their Master with scars all over His body – in His head, hands, feet and on His face which they haven’t seen before in thousands of years. The entire heaven fell silent. And the Master walked gently and sat on His throne of grace. And after some time, the angel who stood next to His throne asked Him, “Lord, what has happened to you?” The Lord explained to Him His life on earth and how He had to pass through the valley of pain and death to redeem mankind. And the angel with tears rolling down his eyes replied, “Lord, but I see that not all have accepted their salvation and many do not know about this, who will tell them of your sacrifice and love for them if you have come back?” and the angel continued crying “if this is not told to the people of the world, all your sufferings will be in vain, Lord.”

Jesus remained silent for some time and until then His face was filled with sadness thinking about the people who do not know His love, but once He heard this question as “who will continue to say others about His love” He smiled and His face changed filled with confidence and pride, He rose up from His throne and proclaimed, “My disciples will do it for Me.”

Jesus just didn’t mention the eleven whom he chose to carry His work. He trusts you today for this great mission on earth. As you celebrate the risen King this month, know one thing that you have a great task upon you and Jesus is still trusting and waiting everyday that you will finish it.

Do not say that you don’t have a calling in life – that’s a lame excuse, but rather cry to Him out of the love you have for Him and tell Him to fill you with the calling from above. Every man and woman who is saved and washed by the blood of Jesus has a calling upon Him to tell the good news to others (2 Timothy 1:9 says He has saved us and called us with a holy calling), He has not just saved you but has also called you. Arise; do not wait to share the gospel of Jesus.

Also remember that Peter was once marked by the devil to be sifted as wheat (luke22:31) but Jesus told Peter, “Don’t worry Peter; I have prayed for you that your faith fail not.” And likewise Peter shook the earth with God’s power. This is our assurance in His glorious ascension that we will never be sifted in the wind. Jesus once testified about John the Baptist that “he was not a reed shaken in the wind, but is more than a prophet (Mathew11:7-10).”

Saint Paul writes that God has bestowed upon mankind the five callings on the ascension of the Lord Jesus to heaven to strengthen the body of Christ which is the church, that the children of God – you and I be not tossed to and fro by any means of wind, but speaking the truth of love and grow in the Lord Jesus in all aspects (Ephesians 4:10-16). Hallelujah!

Rejoice! Someday Jesus will testify you as how He spoke about John the Baptist and He is waiting to testify your life in the same way. Are you ready to accept the call in your life? If you are ready, will you offer this small prayer with me to God?

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus,

We love You for who You are. Lord, the bible says, “be sure in your calling(2 Peter 1:10)”, please bestow upon me the grace to know my call in life and emblaze my heart with fire in readiness to preach the gospel and serve you glorifying your Name.

All I ask in Your mighty Name.

Amen

Wishing you a glorious and a meaning filled Easter

With Love, Blessings & Prayers,

A. John Clement

Co-Founder, God’s Love Missions.