We are Everywhere and We will Change the World
Today is called “Ascension Sunday” in commemoration of Jesus “moving on up” to Glory! Well, the actual 40-days was last Thursday — but it takes a glorious Sunday to join in a throng together (well, maybe not a throng in body, but in spirit) to rejoice — not only that Jesus was raised from the dead, but eye witnesses saw Him showing up and speaking up to give them “famous last words” of teaching on how to be great witnesses for Him. Acts 1:3 verifies it: “After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” I love that — convincing proofs — no fake news there! Hallelujah!
On the 40th day, Jesus took His apostles with Him to the Mount of Olives where they watched as He ascended to heaven. Oh, to have been an eyewitness! But, thank goodness, Jesus said in John 20:29 “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We believe! It gives me holy chills to think about it.
The last words of someone we love are typically the most important words because we hold them as a treasure. Listen to Jesus’ parting words. “Go into all the world and preach the good news!” (Mark 16:15). Honestly, I’ve reconsidered what that looks like. Once upon a time, it was missionaries who were “sent out”. But, here we are, still in the throes of the pandemic, and if ever Jesus words resound louder than ever — it is during this time. Churches were closed but it didn’t stop Christ’s message from “going into all the world”. We witnessed it via satellite, Zoom, social media, and many other ways.
Those who opposed and killed Jesus hoped it was a “done-deal”. But, oh, contrare! Agnostics, atheists, and unbelievers — then AND now — must be surely disappointed. We are not hiding. We are EVERYWHERE! We need to keep reminding ourselves of that, especially when the negative voices, quarreling factions, undermining and dissentious groups try to convince us that we’re a minority and on the losing team. It looked that way in Jesus’ time on this earth. But, like the disciples who went on to change the world, we, too are commissioned to change our world and share the good news of love and hope — everywhere!
There are massive numbers of us who are followers of His message. We are EVERYWHERE! It’s a message we stake our lives upon. It’s a message of undaunted faith and determination to love unconditionally — even to those who oppose us so drastically. This opposition we face is not new at all. The message of Jesus will not be destroyed, stamped out, or washed from the face of the earth. The Good News of Jesus Christ still stands and still goes into the world.
Indeed, we are everywhere, and it is up to us to change our world. The more we realize the mandate of our Lord to be His devoted followers — living out His ministry in words, actions and deeds, the more His message of love will be perpetuated. In this photo, Jesus is pointing His followers and you and me to “GO”! We are replying to that POINT: We will go, and no matter where we are — WE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD!