So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. Luke 24:53 (NLT)
He’s been here, on the earth and is gone for now, from sight anyway. So here we are just about to step into a new year in the same place as the disciples who stood on that mountain. We have an assignment to accomplish while we wait for his return.
We can stand here and celebrate the coming as a child for a few days, but we need to be obedient. That’s where the joy is found.
During the time between his resurrection and his ascension, Jesus had opened the minds of his disciples to see clearly what the prophecies were telling us. Yes, I will come to you, but then, I will ascend into heaven and sit at the right hand of my father. He had told them this before, but now they got it! (Luke 24:27)
He issued his assignment- Tell people about me. He promised power from the Holy Spirit, and he spoke a blessing over him.
How different this day than the day they thought they lost him to death! Before they had felt abandoned, let down, and had no idea what they were going to do with the lives that looked nothing like they had a few short years before. Now, they knew he was alive and powerful even though he would no longer walk beside them physically. The emotion now was joy, rather than grief. No one felt abandoned. They had work to do as they eagerly waited for the return of their Lord. The mission was intact. And they knew their friend was sitting in a place of great power.
Friends, we have work to do too. Many of us are taking stock of what we have accomplished in the past year and harboring hopes of a productive year ahead. I’ve been praying and studying and seeking God’s guidance for my year ahead too.
I know without a doubt my assignment is to teach his word. This may take many forms for me in the coming year. I will continue to write this blog; I will study with my Tuesday ladies and offer my leadership. And, I will step into the assignment I feel God is giving me to write a Bible study. I’d appreciate your prayers for my efforts, and I find I need accountability so could you just drop me a note occasionally and ask me how I’m progressing!
Let’s Apply This Week’s Verse
- We are all called to tell others about Jesus, but that will look a bit different for each of us. Ask God to help you get clear on what your personal version of the assignment looks like.
- As you face your assignment, who do you rely upon?
- How do you stay tuned into the adjustments which may happen to your specific version of the assignment?
- When you think about the assignment you’ve been given are you filled with great joy? If not, what do you think you might do to find joy in your assignment?
Father, as we step into another year help us gain real clarity on our own personal version of the assignment. I love how you personalize everything. I know you have given us each a role that we are perfectly equipped to tackle as we work through your spirit. Help me to remember when I am feeling overwhelmed that I’m probably trying to go it alone, rather than looking to your spirit for guidance and help. Help me to remember my assignment is meant to glorify you, not to glorify me.
One More Thing
Can you believe it’s been a year? Fifty-two weeks of a verse a week!
(The survey is now closed. Thanks to all who participated.)
I will not be posting a blog next weekend. We will be spending time with our family. I appreciate that you have invested time reading what I’ve written and you can encourage me by joining in to look further into God’s word with me in the next year. I am planning to blog at least weekly as I have throughout the last year. I will continue to post a verse a week for you to memorize or just ponder and I will do my best to carry out the assignment God has given me.
Merry Christmas!
Share your thoughts…