Seated at the right hand of the Father

18May
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight.   
- Acts 1:4-9

Today is Ascension Day. This is one of the most important days in our Church Year. We’ve experienced Jesus’ birth, his Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. Now, we celebrate his Ascension into heaven and his being “seated at the right hand of the Father.” We will soon celebrate Pentecost and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  

Jesus has been appearing to and teaching the apostles over the last 40 days since his resurrection. Jesus’ reply when the apostles ask if this is the time when he will restore the kingdom to Israel has struck me for years. The apostles were still anticipating and assuming he would restore the earthly kingdom of Israel that was once a powerful nation

I would like to paraphrase Jesus’ answer. To me he is essentially saying, that’s not for you to worry about; the Father has set a time for that. However, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and that will equip you with what you need.  

The kingdoms and powers of this world have come and gone all throughout history, but the power of God is eternal and never wavering. This power is in the Holy Spirit that will be poured out on the apostles, and subsequently on us who accept it with faith. We are baptized with the Holy Spirit and share in this divine and eternal power. This is true power that transforms us all into disciples of Jesus to be witnesses of his love. That eclipses any earthly power that we could possibly obtain.

Musical Reflection - A Thousand Shores - Citizens

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. 
Collect for the Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day
New TestamentAscensionHoly Spirit
Tags
power, holy spirit, eternal

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