WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:09.560 Our passion is to experience and express grace. 00:00:10.099 --> 00:00:10.620 Join us. 00:00:12.460 --> 00:00:14.900 Turn with me to Luke 24. 00:00:15.660 --> 00:00:20.580 Luke 24 is page 885 in the Pew Bible. 00:00:22.740 --> 00:00:29.120 We're going to finish Luke's gospel this morning, almost three years after we started. 00:00:30.060 --> 00:00:31.500 Except don't get too sad yet. 00:00:31.580 --> 00:00:34.640 We're actually going to spend one more Sunday here next week. 00:00:35.140 --> 00:00:40.820 It's Memorial Day weekend and I think we'll find it helpful at the end of a long journey 00:00:40.820 --> 00:00:47.380 to look back and remember on that weekend in particular some of what God has taught us 00:00:47.380 --> 00:00:53.240 through this study before we get to jump into the exciting summer series I mentioned earlier. 00:00:54.439 --> 00:00:56.939 But remember where we are here at the end of the book. 00:00:56.939 --> 00:01:05.120 The risen Jesus has shown himself to his disciples so that they really know him through his word, 00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:07.959 through personal encounter with him. 00:01:08.739 --> 00:01:14.319 And so that he can send them out as witnesses to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins 00:01:14.319 --> 00:01:17.039 to all nations to make him known. 00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:26.580 He's just told them in fact to wait until he sends power from on high for this mission 00:01:26.580 --> 00:01:30.840 and then he leaves to his heavenly throne. 00:01:31.980 --> 00:01:35.620 Listen to these final four verses of Luke's gospel. 00:01:36.160 --> 00:01:38.560 Luke 24 at verse 50. 00:01:38.560 --> 00:01:45.680 Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 00:01:46.719 --> 00:01:50.379 While he blessed them he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 00:01:50.379 --> 00:01:54.980 And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy 00:01:54.980 --> 00:01:59.500 and were continually in the temple blessing God. 00:02:00.500 --> 00:02:02.820 Thus far God's holy word. 00:02:03.020 --> 00:02:03.520 Let's pray. 00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:10.460 God thank you for your word. 00:02:12.259 --> 00:02:18.819 Use it this morning in our hearts by your spirit who is living and active in us. 00:02:19.680 --> 00:02:22.340 Open our hearts to see King Jesus. 00:02:23.340 --> 00:02:26.719 Even more glorious than we've yet realized. 00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:30.080 Speak to our hearts. 00:02:30.520 --> 00:02:32.240 Father that we might hear your truth. 00:02:33.939 --> 00:02:38.419 Fight back the lies of Satan whispering in our heads. 00:02:39.719 --> 00:02:45.400 Remove anything I would say that would distract from us knowing you more. 00:02:46.079 --> 00:02:47.280 Speak to us clearly. 00:02:47.520 --> 00:02:48.259 We ask. 00:02:48.400 --> 00:02:49.979 We need to hear from you. 00:02:50.840 --> 00:02:52.079 In Jesus name. 00:02:52.860 --> 00:02:53.180 Amen. 00:02:53.180 --> 00:02:53.319 Amen. 00:02:53.319 --> 00:02:54.319 Amen. 00:02:55.819 --> 00:03:03.620 Earlier this year I had to step out of a classroom and make some copies for a math team I was coaching. 00:03:04.560 --> 00:03:07.879 And I left a third grader in charge. 00:03:09.759 --> 00:03:13.819 He was supposed to keep everyone quiet to tell me who wasn't. 00:03:14.959 --> 00:03:16.780 And he probably did a pretty good job. 00:03:16.780 --> 00:03:21.699 But later my daughter said, Dad, you can't put him in charge. 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:24.580 He's the worst behaved kid in the room. 00:03:24.699 --> 00:03:25.300 I knew that. 00:03:26.180 --> 00:03:28.639 He writes down the names of people he doesn't like. 00:03:30.539 --> 00:03:33.319 Who's in charge matters, doesn't it? 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:39.000 Now you know the difference it makes when a substitute teacher is in charge in a class, right? 00:03:39.360 --> 00:03:40.340 You've all lived that. 00:03:40.340 --> 00:03:46.920 Or think about the difference it makes when a new king takes the throne. 00:03:47.659 --> 00:03:55.219 From Old Testament stories and European history class, we know how important it is who ends up on the throne. 00:03:56.500 --> 00:04:03.580 We've heard many people who went very quickly from lives of great privilege to running for their lives 00:04:03.580 --> 00:04:06.920 when the new king in charge was against them. 00:04:07.560 --> 00:04:09.060 Makes a huge difference. 00:04:10.460 --> 00:04:11.740 How about in your life? 00:04:13.300 --> 00:04:18.319 Have you experienced the difference that it makes when you're mistreated at work, 00:04:18.819 --> 00:04:21.400 but the boss won't tolerate bullying? 00:04:22.600 --> 00:04:27.240 I mean, you're hurt, but you know the guy in charge will make it right. 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:34.800 Have you felt the confidence inspired when your kid is having some issues at school 00:04:34.800 --> 00:04:40.000 and you go to the principal and she actually listens and cares 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:44.879 and has ideas and passion for making things right for your kid? 00:04:45.460 --> 00:04:46.480 She'll actually help. 00:04:46.579 --> 00:04:53.579 Or maybe you felt the frustration and the confusion when she doesn't seem to understand or care. 00:04:53.579 --> 00:05:00.139 See, who's in charge makes a huge difference in many situations in our lives, doesn't it? 00:05:01.500 --> 00:05:06.379 In this passage, it's transformative for Jesus' followers. 00:05:07.519 --> 00:05:17.180 They move from confusion and hopelessness to joy and confidence for, honestly, if you've been here for three years, 00:05:18.019 --> 00:05:23.459 for the first time in Luke's whole story that they function and feel this way. 00:05:23.579 --> 00:05:30.659 And it happens as a result of experiencing and seeing clearly who is in charge. 00:05:31.500 --> 00:05:39.399 Not merely in charge of one particular situation or setting, but who is ultimately in charge. 00:05:40.719 --> 00:05:45.740 Because still, here at the end of Luke, if they looked around them, who seemed to be in charge? 00:05:46.839 --> 00:05:48.079 Rome did, right? 00:05:48.779 --> 00:05:52.539 They looked like the ones who were strong and in control. 00:05:52.539 --> 00:05:59.319 It might appear after the crucifixion of their leader that they're left on their own in a dangerous world, 00:05:59.779 --> 00:06:04.519 full of unjust leaders, self-serving bullies. 00:06:04.519 --> 00:06:09.139 But something has changed. 00:06:09.139 --> 00:06:16.680 Their encounters with the risen Jesus leading up to this final experience that's now a few weeks after Easter 00:06:16.680 --> 00:06:24.599 help them understand who is actively and ultimately in charge. 00:06:24.740 --> 00:06:27.519 And it makes all the difference. 00:06:27.519 --> 00:06:32.039 We often skip over the ascension of Jesus. 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:35.779 It's not one of those great, wonderful passages. 00:06:35.979 --> 00:06:39.959 We focus on the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection. 00:06:40.459 --> 00:06:42.500 And those are great things to focus on. 00:06:42.579 --> 00:06:43.740 Nothing wrong with that. 00:06:44.120 --> 00:06:46.819 But the ascension is of great importance. 00:06:46.819 --> 00:06:59.939 When we read Jesus was carried up into heaven, it means that he immediately, physically, and currently is living 00:06:59.939 --> 00:07:06.019 and ruling over everything from the high throne of heaven. 00:07:07.199 --> 00:07:14.319 See, it's very different because Jesus doesn't come back to life merely to live for a few weeks and then die again, does he? 00:07:14.319 --> 00:07:19.439 I mean, that would be neat, but it would be a big difference from him being alive today. 00:07:20.300 --> 00:07:29.519 Every other key figure and leader in the world religions can be located with latitude and longitude coordinates today. 00:07:30.920 --> 00:07:33.480 They're buried somewhere here on earth. 00:07:34.120 --> 00:07:39.639 But the ascension of Jesus demonstrates something quite different from that. 00:07:39.639 --> 00:07:50.019 His ruling still today in heaven with all authority given to him, as Matthew records, as king of kings and lord of lords. 00:07:51.360 --> 00:08:00.199 If you read Hebrews and other New Testament books, you'll find lots of things about Jesus' ascension and what he's up to now. 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:05.639 Today, he is sustaining the universe by his powerful word. 00:08:05.639 --> 00:08:10.039 Today, he is leading his church against the forces of hell. 00:08:10.399 --> 00:08:12.919 Today, empathizing with our struggles. 00:08:13.959 --> 00:08:21.180 Today, praying for us and pouring out his spirit to empower us in our need. 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:27.639 There's so much more that I could say here about what Jesus' ascension means, 00:08:28.639 --> 00:08:33.500 but that's the significance of what's happening in this brief passage. 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:38.759 Jesus is taking his heavenly throne. 00:08:39.259 --> 00:08:42.940 The one God has promised the Messiah would sit on forever, right? 00:08:44.960 --> 00:08:47.639 Jesus completes the circuit, if you will. 00:08:48.019 --> 00:08:53.379 Coming down from heaven and taking on flesh in his birth. 00:08:53.720 --> 00:08:56.940 Living 33 years to fulfill all righteousness. 00:08:57.539 --> 00:08:59.779 Dying on the cross to pay for sins. 00:09:00.220 --> 00:09:02.779 Rising from the dead to conquer death. 00:09:02.779 --> 00:09:10.139 And now, returning to heaven, crowned as the victorious king. 00:09:10.740 --> 00:09:14.159 So, Jesus is ultimately in charge. 00:09:14.860 --> 00:09:15.839 Every day. 00:09:16.799 --> 00:09:17.980 In every situation. 00:09:19.179 --> 00:09:20.399 He's in charge. 00:09:21.879 --> 00:09:25.919 Before we talk about what difference that makes in our lives, 00:09:26.240 --> 00:09:31.360 let's see three quick things about Jesus here in Luke's account of his ascension. 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:37.899 Who is this Jesus going up into heaven to be in charge of everything? 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:44.180 Well, first, we see him as the son accepted by the father. 00:09:44.639 --> 00:09:45.919 Verse 51. 00:09:47.320 --> 00:09:52.659 Jesus parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:56.960 A living person carried up into heaven. 00:09:56.960 --> 00:09:58.840 Y'all, that doesn't happen every day. 00:09:59.220 --> 00:10:00.100 In case you didn't notice. 00:10:01.540 --> 00:10:06.220 A cloud, Luke tells us in Acts, takes Jesus up. 00:10:06.519 --> 00:10:12.080 He was carried by a cloud representing the presence of God. 00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:17.259 God's glorious presence comes and receives Jesus. 00:10:17.460 --> 00:10:20.060 He is carried up into heaven. 00:10:20.059 --> 00:10:22.739 And it's affirming one more time. 00:10:23.759 --> 00:10:26.699 That the crucified Jesus, who appeared to be what? 00:10:26.979 --> 00:10:28.839 Cursed by God. 00:10:29.119 --> 00:10:35.479 Who cried out as he was being crucified that he was forsaken by God. 00:10:36.619 --> 00:10:41.019 Now he's welcomed home by his father. 00:10:41.599 --> 00:10:43.039 The curse reversed. 00:10:43.599 --> 00:10:47.559 Blessing and exalted status bestowed. 00:10:47.559 --> 00:10:57.000 What a glorious reminder that is for those of us who deserved to be forsaken ourselves for our sins. 00:10:57.359 --> 00:11:02.879 That as John Bunyan wrote, our righteousness is in heaven. 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:10.139 Can you just imagine for a second the homecoming party for Jesus that day? 00:11:10.139 --> 00:11:20.100 What do you think it was like when Jesus, having risen from the dead, comes back to his father and comes to his eternal home where he's lived there with his father? 00:11:20.179 --> 00:11:21.720 I bet that was an awesome celebration. 00:11:24.419 --> 00:11:29.759 Can you believe that God celebrates you like that? 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:33.299 That he welcomes you home that same way? 00:11:33.299 --> 00:11:41.219 Secondly, Jesus is the savior who blesses his people. 00:11:43.299 --> 00:11:44.740 We see it twice here. 00:11:44.819 --> 00:11:47.379 Lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 00:11:47.719 --> 00:11:52.859 And while he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 00:11:52.860 --> 00:12:03.440 The picture here in the Greek is of Jesus continuing to pronounce benediction on his followers as he leaves them. 00:12:03.600 --> 00:12:09.259 It's as though he's carried up and he speaks all the way until he's gone from their presence. 00:12:10.680 --> 00:12:11.240 Blessing. 00:12:11.539 --> 00:12:15.700 The first words of God to people, to Adam and Eve in the garden. 00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:17.360 He blessed them. 00:12:17.360 --> 00:12:22.800 He comes to Abraham and he blesses Abraham. 00:12:23.320 --> 00:12:27.899 And over and over through the Old Testament speaks blessing to his people. 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:30.700 And here Jesus joins in. 00:12:31.820 --> 00:12:32.419 Blessing. 00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:34.200 I don't know the words. 00:12:34.300 --> 00:12:35.220 Luke doesn't tell us. 00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:38.539 Was it perhaps the benediction from numbers? 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:41.680 The Lord bless you and keep you. 00:12:41.800 --> 00:12:43.300 Make his face shine upon you. 00:12:43.360 --> 00:12:44.740 Be gracious to you. 00:12:44.740 --> 00:12:54.659 Maybe it was some other good words that spoke hope into the lives of these floundering disciples who've struggled so much. 00:12:56.480 --> 00:12:59.299 But Jesus speaks blessing on them. 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:02.019 One more thing. 00:13:02.120 --> 00:13:09.960 Maybe my favorite part of this is that Jesus is a leader who believes only with provision made. 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:13.299 He leads them out here, doesn't he? 00:13:13.299 --> 00:13:14.039 Verse 50. 00:13:14.039 --> 00:13:17.500 He's a part from them. 00:13:19.419 --> 00:13:21.219 He blessed them. 00:13:21.399 --> 00:13:26.839 And while he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 00:13:27.099 --> 00:13:33.459 And y'all, how would the disciples normally respond to this, being parted from Jesus? 00:13:33.620 --> 00:13:34.679 Well, we've seen, haven't we? 00:13:35.219 --> 00:13:36.480 We've seen earlier in Luke. 00:13:36.559 --> 00:13:37.459 They get frightened. 00:13:37.860 --> 00:13:38.899 They're terrified. 00:13:38.899 --> 00:13:41.139 They're terrified when Jesus is not there. 00:13:41.720 --> 00:13:46.259 After he dies on the cross, they get despondent and hopeless. 00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:51.439 And now they're okay with it? 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:53.500 Joyful even? 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:58.139 Well, there could be many factors in this change. 00:13:58.399 --> 00:14:03.439 But Jesus must have convinced them that something different was happening now. 00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:12.380 The previous verses that I haven't read yet tell us Jesus has promised to send the Holy Spirit, the promise of his Father to them. 00:14:12.700 --> 00:14:18.180 In fact, he's told them that he will actually continue to be with them in this way. 00:14:18.179 --> 00:14:23.099 In an even better way than if he stayed physically with them. 00:14:23.159 --> 00:14:25.319 Jesus says it will be better for you if this happens. 00:14:26.559 --> 00:14:27.839 How's that possible? 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:29.639 Better than Jesus? 00:14:30.699 --> 00:14:31.899 Come on, pastor. 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:33.859 Lost your mind. 00:14:34.639 --> 00:14:36.599 You're telling us something's better than Jesus. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:39.680 It's what Jesus himself tells them. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:44.879 He can physically be only in one place at a time, right? 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:52.899 But if he sends the Spirit, God dwells in each of them all the time. 00:14:53.820 --> 00:15:00.920 The King over all the world can be present with you in Huntsville and your sister in India. 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:05.639 And this fits with his mission, by the way, right? 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:10.580 Because when Jesus is physically on earth, if you need something, you better get to Jesus. 00:15:11.100 --> 00:15:11.919 Need healing? 00:15:13.159 --> 00:15:13.600 Teaching? 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:15.639 Food? 00:15:16.559 --> 00:15:16.960 Counsel? 00:15:17.699 --> 00:15:21.960 You better get yourself to wherever that one place in the world that Jesus is, right? 00:15:22.019 --> 00:15:23.600 And we see people flock to him. 00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:25.559 Now. 00:15:26.100 --> 00:15:26.439 Now. 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:27.600 There's a new plan. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:35.620 The blessing flowing to his followers will flow through them by the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:15:35.639 --> 00:15:44.919 As they fill the earth, they go everywhere and declare and demonstrate the reign of King Jesus. 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:48.159 You don't have to come to one place to find Jesus. 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:50.199 No, that's another religion altogether. 00:15:51.059 --> 00:15:54.080 Now his people go out on mission. 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:58.000 And their living king goes with them. 00:15:58.000 --> 00:16:04.879 He goes with them as they go out to find people who need forgiveness and healing. 00:16:05.379 --> 00:16:09.200 Who need a reign of justice and peace. 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:14.960 And so he sends his people out and he goes with them to find them no matter where they are. 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:17.159 The king comes. 00:16:17.480 --> 00:16:20.419 And we get to be a part of that mission with King Jesus. 00:16:21.159 --> 00:16:21.379 Amen. 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:21.539 Amen. 00:16:24.659 --> 00:16:32.799 Luke focuses here in this passage on the impact more than on the details of Jesus' ascension. 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:33.700 It's pretty short. 00:16:35.039 --> 00:16:38.639 And so I want us to turn and look at how this impacts us. 00:16:38.759 --> 00:16:40.379 What difference it makes. 00:16:40.879 --> 00:16:44.700 But first I want to name a real struggle that we face. 00:16:44.700 --> 00:16:53.440 For many of us, it often doesn't feel like this is true. 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:54.920 Does it? 00:16:56.360 --> 00:17:03.759 The active reign of King Jesus doesn't seem very powerful sometimes. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:06.059 Have you felt that before? 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:16.099 Perhaps your heart or your world doesn't look like Jesus is in charge. 00:17:16.679 --> 00:17:21.159 And I can say it over and over but you're looking around thinking, I'm not sure. 00:17:21.700 --> 00:17:23.779 It doesn't feel like that to me. 00:17:24.159 --> 00:17:28.059 Maybe you've wrestled with this as we have in our small group lately. 00:17:28.940 --> 00:17:34.659 Questions like, how come I'm battling this sin in my life and feel like I'm losing? 00:17:34.660 --> 00:17:40.580 How come I ask Jesus to work in my marriage and nothing changes? 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:52.019 How come Jesus doesn't fix the broken school system, wipe out the wicked governments, cure cancer, or bring the bullies to justice now? 00:17:53.060 --> 00:17:55.040 If he's in charge, why not? 00:17:55.320 --> 00:17:56.960 Have you ever asked any of those questions? 00:17:58.660 --> 00:18:00.800 If you have, you're not alone. 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:04.799 He's in charge, but... 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:09.220 Man, that's a hard place to live, isn't it? 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:14.399 He's in charge, but I don't see it. 00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:19.139 I don't see it in my life and it's a hard place to live. 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:25.799 I've been imagining the disciples this week as they go and do what Jesus says. 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:29.879 They go back to Jerusalem and what do they do? 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:32.139 They wait. 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:42.940 Can you imagine what their friends said to them while they sat around praying and waiting and for quite some time nothing is happening? 00:18:43.579 --> 00:18:44.480 Come on, guys. 00:18:44.579 --> 00:18:46.539 Seriously, get on with your lives. 00:18:47.500 --> 00:18:48.539 Nothing's happening. 00:18:48.539 --> 00:18:56.599 Even after Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to them at Pentecost and there's great rejoicing, great things start happening, 00:18:56.899 --> 00:19:02.619 they still feel pretty weak compared to local leaders, especially compared to Rome. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:07.319 Many of those who watch Jesus go into heaven get thrown in prison, don't they? 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:13.680 Quite a few of them will eventually be killed for their faith. 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:17.740 And so many of them will get understandably discouraged. 00:19:19.700 --> 00:19:24.140 I mean, we know He's in charge, but look what happens in our lives. 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:32.180 And they're going to have to remember that the brokenness of this world does not take King Jesus off His throne. 00:19:34.100 --> 00:19:39.720 That truth may even frustrate us at times when we don't understand what He could possibly be thinking. 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:48.680 I remember as a child being so frustrated that I didn't live on earth when Jesus lived on earth 00:19:48.680 --> 00:19:55.259 so that I could know Him and really see Him and know what He was like and have stronger faith and really be able to trust Him. 00:19:55.799 --> 00:19:56.819 It didn't seem fair. 00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.839 Sometimes I still feel that way. 00:20:03.579 --> 00:20:07.259 That's actually a lack of faith on my part, isn't it? 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:15.879 A lack of faith that Jesus knew what He was doing when He said that sending His Spirit would be better for me. 00:20:16.000 --> 00:20:18.379 And I just wanted it my way. 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:23.039 Why let these awful things continue? 00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:29.180 Why not crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and bring all of us to heaven right then and be done with it? 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:33.340 We don't often know why, do we? 00:20:34.400 --> 00:20:39.160 But we know at least part of it is God's divine patience. 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:47.320 He desires, longs for repentance to be proclaimed to everyone, to all nations. 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:50.600 So many more will bow to King Jesus. 00:20:50.599 --> 00:20:59.159 And we know because King Jesus is eternally on the throne, we can trust Him for how this works out all the time. 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:04.079 So I'm not trying to give answers to every situation. 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:11.679 But I want you to know when we talk about the disciples' lives of worship, joy, trust, 00:21:11.680 --> 00:21:20.560 It's not some idealistic, simplistic reality, just kind of make-believe, just pretend to feel this way, it's easy. 00:21:22.120 --> 00:21:32.940 No, it's that the ascension and the active reign of King Jesus offers deep hope in the midst of deep struggle. 00:21:32.940 --> 00:21:41.059 Struggle that even enables many to lose their lives for Jesus and meet Him with joy. 00:21:43.000 --> 00:21:49.559 Hear these responses the disciples have in that context of your own struggles this morning. 00:21:50.400 --> 00:21:53.380 Look at the disciples' response, verse 52. 00:21:53.380 --> 00:22:20.580 Let's not miss this most basic response to Jesus' glory as our ascended, reigning King. 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:24.659 We must bow before Him. 00:22:25.039 --> 00:22:31.699 If Jesus is in charge, I can serve Him above all else. 00:22:31.960 --> 00:22:33.480 In fact, I must. 00:22:34.599 --> 00:22:44.720 None of the gods my heart chases after for fulfillment and meaning and purpose are ruling the world and sustaining me by their word, are they? 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:45.539 None of them. 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:45.599 None of them. 00:22:47.680 --> 00:22:52.940 My economic status and bank account aren't worthy of worship, are they? 00:22:54.379 --> 00:22:55.559 You mean that? 00:22:57.680 --> 00:23:05.500 My own comfort and the temporal success of my kids aren't appropriate things to shape my life around, are they? 00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:11.259 Easy things, but not worthy. 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:21.319 Power and social influence won't ultimately save me more than they would have ultimately saved the disciples if they gained the upper hand on Rome for a few days. 00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:22.940 Will they? 00:23:25.920 --> 00:23:26.680 No. 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:30.799 Then why do we chase them like they will? 00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:36.919 It's Jesus who alone is worthy of our worship. 00:23:37.919 --> 00:23:40.460 He alone has power over death. 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:46.159 He alone holds the keys to our eternal and current security. 00:23:48.659 --> 00:23:52.799 Where are you bowing before a lesser God? 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:58.240 The worship of King Jesus is priority number one. 00:23:58.659 --> 00:24:03.720 See this morning the ascended Jesus reigning in power and glory. 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:09.539 The only one worthy for you to bow yourself before Him and turn your heart back to Him. 00:24:12.339 --> 00:24:16.639 Secondly, the disciples respond with lives full of joy. 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:28.500 Perhaps contrary to what we expect from them, they see Jesus depart and they return to the city, to Jerusalem, with great joy. 00:24:30.340 --> 00:24:34.720 Joy, as Ron said to me this week, through many tears. 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:39.380 Not happy, clappy, everything is the way I want it to be. 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:49.039 But deep joy because everything will ultimately be okay. 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:53.559 Jesus is ultimately in charge. 00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:57.740 Many days in this world, joy is hard to find, isn't it? 00:24:59.299 --> 00:25:01.720 Darkness is easier to feel. 00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:05.539 Injustice is easier to see. 00:25:06.920 --> 00:25:09.759 Depression is easier to explain. 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:17.100 But you can have great joy because of Jesus. 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:19.620 You remember that great joy? 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:25.380 It's the exact same words that the angels promised to the shepherds when they said Jesus is coming 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:29.880 and He's going to be good news of great joy for all people. 00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:38.339 God was sending great joy to us in Jesus. 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:47.940 Friends, that great joy, lasting hope, true purpose, ultimate glory is found only in Jesus. 00:25:48.420 --> 00:25:55.400 It's a joy that clings to Jesus when I can't find a source of happiness or control in this life. 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:56.319 And you've been there. 00:25:56.319 --> 00:26:06.079 But you see, the ascended King, you know there's someone that you can delight in no matter what. 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:11.200 The fact that He loves me and blesses me. 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:15.319 The fact that He is making me and everything else new. 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:21.700 The fact that eternity will more than make up for all I'm afraid of missing out on in this life. 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:24.539 That's what I mean by joy. 00:26:25.639 --> 00:26:28.419 Jesus doesn't change. 00:26:31.240 --> 00:26:37.679 Finally, Luke says they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 00:26:37.680 --> 00:26:40.519 What are they doing? 00:26:40.620 --> 00:26:42.120 Why is that a big deal? 00:26:42.880 --> 00:26:44.320 They're obeying Jesus. 00:26:46.140 --> 00:26:51.880 If He's in charge, I can trust Him in every situation. 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:59.900 There's no other good reason for going back to Jerusalem, for sitting around and waiting, 00:27:01.160 --> 00:27:03.640 unless Jesus can be trusted. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:05.720 You see? 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:12.140 Unless He's meeting us there with Holy Spirit to fill us and empower us, 00:27:12.400 --> 00:27:18.400 unless He's in charge and that's where the mission that extends to the uttermost parts of the earth begins from, 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:20.799 unless that's true, why go back? 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:22.720 Well, He told them to. 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:27.759 He told them this is how it would work and they joyfully do what He's told them to do. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:36.359 It is always best to shape your life around following God's Word. 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:40.740 Even if it's not what we would call safe. 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:45.579 There may be a lot of pain along the way. 00:27:45.579 --> 00:27:52.439 And you say, but well, I've been reading my Bible and I don't feel any different. 00:27:52.440 --> 00:27:55.519 Don't lose heart. 00:27:56.240 --> 00:28:00.799 Jesus is living and reigning and you can trust Him. 00:28:00.900 --> 00:28:02.460 He will meet you there. 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:15.360 But Pastor, divorce seems like the best thing for my kids and every article and friend agrees the Bible is just too strict and old-fashioned and out of date. 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:18.660 Don't give up. 00:28:20.039 --> 00:28:23.059 Follow His Word one day at a time. 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:25.759 He will direct you by His Spirit. 00:28:25.759 --> 00:28:31.579 But will I keep praying and the cancer doesn't go away? 00:28:35.359 --> 00:28:38.279 I keep sharing the gospel and I just lose friends. 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:45.339 I keep trying to be a kind friend at school and they keep making fun of me. 00:28:46.339 --> 00:28:47.379 And it hurts. 00:28:47.980 --> 00:28:49.160 I don't want to do it anymore. 00:28:49.319 --> 00:28:51.640 I can't believe in this any longer. 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:57.140 Listen, look up and see Jesus this morning. 00:28:58.780 --> 00:28:59.900 Alive. 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:01.740 Reigning. 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:03.920 In charge. 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:06.200 Seeing you. 00:29:06.840 --> 00:29:08.740 Praying for you. 00:29:09.240 --> 00:29:11.120 Hearing your cries. 00:29:11.520 --> 00:29:14.000 Coming back for you. 00:29:15.180 --> 00:29:17.580 You can trust Him again. 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:18.620 One more day. 00:29:21.640 --> 00:29:24.800 I want to leave you with two pictures this morning. 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:30.440 The first for those of you enduring some of the struggles that I just described. 00:29:32.440 --> 00:29:33.040 Hurting. 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:35.940 Suffering. 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:39.900 Perhaps feeling abandoned by King Jesus. 00:29:41.280 --> 00:29:47.880 Hearing He's in charge just almost creates more pain where you are today. 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:56.580 Luke tells us in Acts 7 of one of Jesus' early followers, Stephen, being martyred. 00:29:57.660 --> 00:30:00.060 He actually is stoned to death. 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:04.400 He's been proclaiming the name of Jesus boldly. 00:30:04.780 --> 00:30:08.700 And for that, he receives death. 00:30:10.240 --> 00:30:12.580 They gather around him and they stone him. 00:30:12.900 --> 00:30:15.520 And you can imagine what that would feel like. 00:30:15.520 --> 00:30:16.920 Where are you, Jesus? 00:30:17.880 --> 00:30:25.180 And Luke tells us in Acts 7 that Stephen looks up. 00:30:26.220 --> 00:30:29.040 And he sees Jesus. 00:30:29.280 --> 00:30:31.680 The ascended, glorious Jesus. 00:30:32.040 --> 00:30:34.700 In the throne room of heaven. 00:30:36.280 --> 00:30:37.260 Standing up. 00:30:38.320 --> 00:30:42.220 And it brings great comfort to Stephen. 00:30:42.220 --> 00:30:47.759 In fact, in the midst of this unbearable suffering that we can only imagine. 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:49.680 He doesn't despair. 00:30:50.519 --> 00:30:53.019 He entrusts His Spirit to Jesus. 00:30:53.860 --> 00:30:58.759 And like His Savior, He prays for the forgiveness of those killing Him. 00:30:59.960 --> 00:31:01.100 How in the world? 00:31:02.440 --> 00:31:03.779 How does that happen? 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:13.539 He looks up and sees His reigning King welcoming Him to His eternal home with Him. 00:31:13.879 --> 00:31:20.079 And He finds comfort in the midst of the worst that this world has. 00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:23.920 Jesus is ultimately in charge. 00:31:24.299 --> 00:31:25.599 He loves you. 00:31:25.599 --> 00:31:29.379 He speaks blessing to you. 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:31.619 He's got you. 00:31:32.939 --> 00:31:34.299 What great comfort. 00:31:34.299 --> 00:31:39.339 The second picture is fictional. 00:31:40.740 --> 00:31:46.799 It's for those of us maybe in the midst of battle but exhausted and discouraged. 00:31:47.339 --> 00:31:50.099 Or maybe we're not so much in the midst of battle. 00:31:50.200 --> 00:31:58.799 We're kind of comfortable staying on the sidelines where it's a bit safer and we won't get hurt trying to do what King Jesus has called us to in His mission. 00:31:58.799 --> 00:32:00.980 It feels easier to run after my own. 00:32:01.519 --> 00:32:04.759 And it's a picture from J.R. Tolkien's The Two Towers. 00:32:06.419 --> 00:32:11.639 When in the battle of Helm's Deep, Aragorn and his friends are running out of steam. 00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:17.139 They're being overcome by the evil forces of Saruman. 00:32:17.940 --> 00:32:20.039 And evil seems to be winning. 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:23.500 Darkness has covered the battle all through the night. 00:32:24.220 --> 00:32:27.539 But then it's dawn on the fifth day. 00:32:27.539 --> 00:32:32.859 And as he promised, Gandalf appears in the east. 00:32:34.180 --> 00:32:43.859 They look up in the midst of the battle and there's a bright light of the only one they know who's stronger than their enemies. 00:32:45.159 --> 00:32:46.899 And it's not just him actually. 00:32:47.059 --> 00:32:48.899 It's not just Gandalf standing there. 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:56.319 It's this host of reinforcements that he's bringing with him and sending into the battle with them to strengthen them. 00:32:56.319 --> 00:32:59.339 And they shine into that darkness. 00:33:00.079 --> 00:33:02.639 And they fight on to victory. 00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:12.440 No matter how overwhelming the odds seem against you where your king is calling you to fight. 00:33:13.160 --> 00:33:15.860 Be confident that you're not alone. 00:33:16.340 --> 00:33:20.420 That he will send his helper to meet you in your weakness. 00:33:20.420 --> 00:33:28.140 And that he will come again to conquer hell and bring you home victorious with him. 00:33:28.840 --> 00:33:30.720 Jesus is in charge. 00:33:31.880 --> 00:33:33.820 And that must make all the difference. 00:33:34.320 --> 00:33:34.820 Let's pray. 00:33:34.819 --> 00:33:43.460 Jesus, you are our king. 00:33:45.460 --> 00:33:50.519 We believe you to be the one holding this world together by the word of your power. 00:33:50.639 --> 00:33:59.319 The one who is able to enter into every dark place and bring light and hope and glory. 00:33:59.319 --> 00:34:08.460 And we confess that we struggle when you don't do that in our time and in our ways. 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:14.219 And we ask, Holy Spirit, that you would help us to trust. 00:34:14.219 --> 00:34:21.899 Give us eyes to see Jesus and to know that he speaks blessing over us. 00:34:22.019 --> 00:34:23.639 That he is with us. 00:34:23.879 --> 00:34:25.719 That he is fighting for us. 00:34:25.799 --> 00:34:31.459 And that he can be trusted with the outcome even when we are discouraged. 00:34:31.460 --> 00:34:36.579 We thank you that he is alive. 00:34:37.340 --> 00:34:38.179 That he is victorious. 00:34:38.519 --> 00:34:42.559 That he has conquered death and hell and all opposing might. 00:34:43.059 --> 00:34:46.119 And so we worship him. 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:49.920 Give us hearts that find joy in that. 00:34:50.000 --> 00:34:51.559 Not just in a church building. 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:55.639 But in where we go tomorrow morning. 00:34:55.980 --> 00:34:58.380 In the things that shape our priorities. 00:34:58.380 --> 00:35:03.420 In the ways we find hope in dark places. 00:35:04.360 --> 00:35:05.920 Would it be our king Jesus. 00:35:07.220 --> 00:35:08.920 That we remember is in charge. 00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:11.880 Do that work by your spirit in our hearts. 00:35:12.119 --> 00:35:13.380 We ask for Jesus' sake. 00:35:13.840 --> 00:35:14.079 Amen. 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:30.280 Amen. 00:35:30.280 --> 00:35:30.740 Amen. 00:35:30.740 --> 00:35:31.140 Amen. 00:35:31.160 --> 00:35:31.700 Amen. 00:35:31.780 --> 00:35:32.119 Amen. 00:35:32.180 --> 00:35:32.760 Amen. 00:35:32.880 --> 00:35:33.220 Amen. 00:35:33.480 --> 00:35:33.740 Amen. 00:35:33.780 --> 00:35:34.260 Amen. 00:35:34.579 --> 00:35:35.079 Amen. 00:35:35.200 --> 00:35:35.880 Amen. 00:35:35.880 --> 00:35:36.300 Amen. 00:35:36.300 --> 00:35:37.059 Amen. 00:35:37.220 --> 00:35:38.220 Amen. 00:35:38.400 --> 00:35:38.720 Amen. 00:35:38.720 --> 00:35:39.660 Amen. 00:35:39.700 --> 00:35:40.260 Amen. 00:35:40.440 --> 00:35:40.760 Women. 00:35:40.840 --> 00:35:41.200 Amen. 00:35:41.320 --> 00:35:41.480 Amen. 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:41.599 Amen. 00:35:41.599 --> 00:35:42.280 Amen. 00:35:42.300 --> 00:35:42.840 Amen. 00:35:42.840 --> 00:35:43.300 Amen. 00:35:43.300 --> 00:35:43.860 Amen. 00:35:43.860 --> 00:35:44.340 Amen. 00:35:44.440 --> 00:35:45.640 Amen. 00:35:45.660 --> 00:35:46.320 Amen. 00:35:46.320 --> 00:35:46.599 Amen. 00:35:46.619 --> 00:35:46.720 Amen. 00:35:46.720 --> 00:35:46.960 Amen. 00:35:46.960 --> 00:35:47.420 Amen. 00:35:47.420 --> 00:35:47.559 Amen. 00:35:47.619 --> 00:35:49.000 Amen. 00:35:49.039 --> 00:35:49.380 Amen. 00:35:49.599 --> 00:35:49.720 Amen. 00:35:49.720 --> 00:35:50.280 Amen. 00:35:50.280 --> 00:35:50.480 Amen. 00:35:50.480 --> 00:35:51.500 Amen. 00:35:51.500 --> 00:35:52.420 Amen. 00:35:52.900 --> 00:35:53.380 Amen. 00:35:53.380 --> 00:35:54.460 Amen. 00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:55.539 Amen. 00:35:55.559 --> 00:35:55.700 Amen. 00:35:55.880 --> 00:35:57.579 Amen. 00:35:57.660 --> 00:35:58.320 Amen.