LUKE 24:51-52

While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

TO PONDER

Not the reaction I would have expected from Jesus disciples. Their risen and victorious Lord leaves them and is taken up into heaven and they are filled with joy! I would have thought fear and apprehension were the more likely response.

But, having been brought to understand everything that Jesus had done and the implications of that not only for themselves, but for all of the world, they have only 2 responses, worship and joy.

I think I have shared this before, but when I got the phone call to say I had better plan a trip home because my dad was losing his battle with cancer, I got in the car and started driving. To be honest, I probably wasn't in the right frame of mind to be safe on the road but I had packed and started driving so quickly that the only CD I had in the car to play over the 6 hour drive to my parents house was a Rend Collective worship album. Worship turned my sadness and anxiety into peace and yes, even into joy as I was reminded through song that even in difficult circumstances, our God is with us. I knew God was with me, just as he was also with my dad and in some weird kind of way that made us united with Christ and I began to actually gift thanks and praise to God for all his goodness even while driving to say farewell to my dad for the last time.

I wouldn't describe my joy as great, in that circumstance, but there was a peace and an understanding that even though this life has its challenges and its inevitable end, we can still rejoice because of what Christ has done.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I know that sometimes circumstances can make you feel distant but that you promise you will be with us even to the very end of the age. When I fell alone and afraid, please help me to remember that I can always thank and praise you for all you have done for me and be brought back to joy as I praise and worship you for all you have done. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.