Day 6: The Gospel-Exaltation
The death of another is hard to accept in its finality, especially when it’s someone close to us. Bearing the burden of grief, two men walked a difficult road away from Jerusalem, weighed down with disappointment. They knew Jesus was a prophet powerful in word and deed, and who deserved the wide respect he had. They had hoped Jesus would “redeem Israel,” meaning that he would bring them out from the power of Rome, much as Moses had done so long ago with Egypt (Luke 24:19–24). Yet this Jesus had been executed, not exalted. Although they had many facts right, little did they know how wrong they were! Thankfully, Jesus explained (in person!) that the Messiah would first have to suffer death and then afterward, enter his glory. That must have been quite a Bible lesson they heard from the Master himself.
After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to many, but they didn’t experience him the way we do today. Back then he was someone to see, to touch, to eat breakfast with. He was embodied and existed in time and space. When he was with Peter and his other disciples, he wasn’t with Mary and the other women.
But Jesus told his followers to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came on them. After that, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Jesus rose from the dead to new life on earth, then he rose from earth to rule at the right hand of God the Father. We seldom think about this, but Peter knew exactly what the ascension meant, “Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36).
Question to Consider:
Beyond being your “Savior,” what does it mean for Jesus to be your “Lord”?
Prayer:
Lord, as much as it depends on my own volition, I choose intentionally to make you my Lord at this moment. Throughout this day when this choice is questioned in a thousand moments of temptation, may I continue to yield to your way, which is always better than mine.
By Dr. Bob Stallman