Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
Ascension
Psalm 16:7-9, Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, John 20:17, Acts
1:1-11
By J.D. Griffith
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also shall
rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9.
Jesus said to Mary as she ran to embrace Him, “Touch Me not; for I have not
yet ascended to my Father…I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to
My God and your God.”
Can you imagine her not flying into His arms? Last time she saw Jesus He was
dying on a cross! I see Him backing off slightly, holding His hand up like a
stop sign as He warned her to not touch Him.
Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus knew it was time. Time to go back
from whence He’d come. (Ephesians 4:10).
Can you sense His excitement? We’ve all been eager for an awaited occasion.
Time moves like molasses on a cold day. Intense anticipation finds us biting
our lips, giddy, or babbling enthusiastically. Jesus did none of these
things. He was ready to return to the Father since His birth—clothed in a
human body. The worst was past; only one more thing to fulfill—His return to
paradise.
This is serious business. His delight was pure; He earned eternal life
for us—His children. He promised to not leave us as orphans; a helper was
coming. (John 14:16-18). He ascended slowly, visibly. His glorified human
body entered Heaven, and sat down on the Father’s right hand. (Acts 2:33).
Even today, Jesus is at the Father’s right hand. He’s busy interceding
for us—that is, pleading our prayer requests before the Father. (Romans
8:34, Hebrews 7:25). Because He permeates the whole universe with His
spiritual presence and power, we have courage and confidence to live our
lives with the assurance of spending eternity in Heaven. He will come for us
one day. (John 14:2-3). We eagerly await His coming.
Our hearts beat with joy because we can be certain of our hope.
(Colossians 1:15-23). With Jesus at our right hand, we will not be moved
(away from His grasp during troubled times).
Just like looking forward to Mom returning home from the grocery store
with goodies, kids can look forward to goodies in paradise.
Take Home Nugget
When trouble confronts us and we grow weary, we can think of Jesus’
words of comfort. Joshua 1:5 in the Old Testament of the Bible talks to the
Israelites, God’s chosen people. It says, “I will never leave you nor
forsake you.” Like Father, like Son. These are Jesus’ words to us today.
We miss people we love when they depart.
Looking forward to the next time
We’re together gladdens our heart.
Anticipating Heaven is no crime.
J.D. Griffith
