Many would agree that the most frustrating aspect of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been social isolation and the quarantining that has come with it.  As time goes on during the COVID-19 interruption and the summer weather setting in , there are those who would like to go beyond the social constraints and indeed those who have gone beyond them to the possible danger of others.

    Well it is good to know that we are in good company with those who similarly had the bitter sweet taste of social isolation - the disciples of Jesus!  Before His ascension into heaven to be with the Father, Jesus adamantly tells His disciples that they are to stay in Jerusalem after His ascension to await the power on high (the Holy Spirit).  Thus for very different reasons the disciples entered into a time of social isolation and like us had to wait it out until the time was right to make their exit.

    After Jesus had told the disciples of their social isolation in Jerusalem, He takes them out as far as Bethany, accordingly to the Mount of Olives and after blessing them He withdrew from them and was lifted up to heaven (the Ascension of Jesus).

    As with the Resurrection of Jesus, so too with His Ascension to be with the Father where He always was from the beginning (John 1:12) the power of God was in evidence for these two great events to take place in Jesus' life.  It is as we affirm in the Apostles Creed  - "He ascended into heaven, and He is seated at the right hand of the Father."

    The Ascension of Jesus.  What does it mean for us today?

    As the writer of the Book of Hebrews sets forth - Jesus has become our great high priest according to the order of Melchizedek, and what does Jesus do as our great high priest?  Jesus is making intercession, is praying for us and on our behalf to God the Father, ever pleading our cause to Him.  As Jesus had compassion for those in His ministry when He was upon earth, He continues His care and compassion for us together with God the Father, bringing us before the throne of Grace.

    By Jesus' prayers to the Father for us, we too are lifted up above the trials and tribulations, especially of this COVID-19 time.  He who suffered and gave of Himself on the Cross; took ALL of our sufferings upon Himself and continues to give of Himself to us and for us as our high priest (minister) and does what a priest (minister) is called to do - pray for his/her people that God has entrusted to them for His care.

    In this way  we are ALL lifted up together with Him.

Together with you in our Lord's Ascension,

                                 Rev. Wayne