Pastor’s Column 6/1/2025

PASTOR’S COLUMN

6 “ So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking Him, “Lord,  has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” 7  He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those days and times. And they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And  you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and the ends of the earth.” 9  After saying this, He was taken up into a cloud while they were watching and they could no longer see Him.” Acts 2:6-9,  NLT

“Listening to Understand!”

In the Christian faith what is recognized as Day of Ascension always falls on a Thursday on most calendars. This is because the departure of our Lord (ascension) to heaven was forty days after His Resurrection. Thursday at the end of Day 40, is ten days before the Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to indwell believers. It is in the Book of Acts, Chapters 1-2, we confirm the 40 days of the ministry of Jesus on earth after His Resurrection. We see Jesus in His parting moments with disciples. It is evident in the account of the conversation Jesus had with these recovering disciples; how “secure” they felt in His presence. Although confident in their ministry with Jesu – the disciples did not fully understand the importance of His mission. This may seem strange to some, but it’s not difficult to consider.There’s a human tendency to mostly absorb the information we’re comfortable with. Looking at a people who had become lax and dismissive in their regard for the truth given to them, God had a strong message: “My people perish because they have rejected knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6, KJV). On the eve of the Lord’s  ascendency into heaven some of the disciples were still inquiring as to “When would Jesus establish an earthly kingdom.” Jesus had Someone far more important: He was sending the Holy Spirit to “empower them.” There was no need for an earthy domain. We must also listen with our hearts, minds, and faith to understand what is for us!