Luke 24:44-53 (NRSV)
Read Luke 24:44-53 on biblegateway.com
Verse 44Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you-that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Verse 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, Verse 46and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, Verse 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Verse 48You are witnesses of these things. Verse 49And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Verse 50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. Verse 51While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. Verse 52And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; Verse 53and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Devotion
There is something magical about a good good-bye. Oh, there may be tears, there may be pangs, but to be able to feel peace at good-bye is a true gift.
The disciples knew they were living on borrowed time. They had their hearts broken at the cross and mended again on Easter. They have come to understand as never before what God has been up to. Now, they know that their Lord, their friend, is leaving for good. But they're able to let go because of what they know: That his love lives on in their hearts. That his spirit will strengthen and sustain them through whatever is to come. That he needs them to make his time on earth bear fruit.
And so, as Christ was lifted up into the clouds, their voices and spirits were lifted too. Their good-bye was not one of sorrow, but of joy.
Prayer
Lord, you lift us up on wings like eagles. May we respond like the disciples: with adoration and amazement at what you can do; with songs and prayers of praise; and with hearts of joy. Amen.