Hidden Doesn’t Mean He’s Not There
Thursday’s Verse:
From Acts 1:9 ESV
“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.”
The disciples watched as Jesus climbed into heaven. He was there, physically, one moment before them. The next moment He was gone, obscured by a cloud. It probably felt odd. Scary, even. But Jesus was not leaving them to fend for themselves. He was ascending to His throne.
Ascension is not Christ leaving His Church. According to Lutheran teaching, it is Christ assuming His rightful place as King over all creation for us, His people. The Jesus who traveled about, teaching and healing in Galilee, now fills all things with His glorious presence and promises. Invisible, yet still present with His Church through His Word and Sacraments.
Sometimes I want to see more obvious evidence of what God is doing in my life. Sometimes I want proof I can see. Faith is not built on what we can see with our physical eyes. Faith is built on Christ’s sure promise. Christ Jesus ascended into heaven, but still speaks words of forgiveness to confessing sinners. He still bears up the weak. He still upholds His Church in heaven.
Sometimes God conceals His glory from our eyes. The cloud that obscured Jesus from His disciples teaches this truth. Hidden does not mean He is not there. Christ is still King, still governing His creation, even when we don’t see the visible evidence of what He is doing.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus Christ, You ascended into heaven and reign at the right hand of God the Father. Give me faith to trust You when I can’t see what You are doing. Let me remain in Your holy Word. Keep me trusting Your promises and waiting with joy for Your return; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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