Today we celebrate the Ascension and the Holy Trinity. This lesson does not speak of the Lord’s ascension but it gives clues to its significance – the great commission to make disciples of all nations and its relationship to the Trinity.
Do you think that the ascension message is a commitment that Jesus was not willing to quit until everyone is wrapped up in his love? Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and lo I am with you always to the close of the age. Jesus commissions His disciples and us to baptize with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and promises He will be with them, and us, until the close of the age. There is a hymn which goes “And he walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am his own”.
Do not let us forget that this is what he has promised – to be with us at all times. Are we willing to let Him be our friend and guide?
We read that Jesus tells his disciples to obey all he has commanded. As followers of Jesus do we obey all his teaching in our lives in our churches today? No? Is this why we are not reaching the people who need to find Him? Is this why the world is in such the terrible state we find today.
Let us all step back and re-examine our faith in the light of the scriptures and take a new look at the life of Jesus who is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Trevor Marshall
Lay Preacher
Ulverstone Uniting Church