Bible Meditation - The Ascension
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen. Mark 16:19-20
The Apostles witnessed the Ascension, in complete awe, I’m sure.
They were eyewitnesses to numerous miracles by Jesus.
They witnessed the crucifixion and his resurrected body.
They were convicted that what Jesus taught was the truth and who he was is truth.
The Apostles were dedicated to theses truths and even died for them.
Am I that convicted? NO
Am I that dedicated, eager to sacrifice for the LORD? NO
Why not? Am I scared? Do I doubt God?
Do I trust God? Do I believe what he has told me? And taught me? Do I believe what I’ve experienced of His presence in my life?
YES!
Then where is the disconnect, especially, if I trust and believe Him?
The disconnect, I think, is that I don’t trust myself to surrender, to be obedient, to break out of my old (fixed) mindsets and habits, to accept his will.
Why don’t I trust myself?
Because I know myself very well. My old habits and attitudes and choleric, Type A controlling temperament dies hard. Very hard.
but Jesus taught….
He will help me change.
My obedience and humility open the door to his transformation of me. :)
It is not my own doing. His doing. I can’t self-discipline my way to a new me.
I feel the dots connecting as I speak. It’s not about me and my ability to do anything. It’s about HIS grace, power and mercy to transform me – even a lowly sinner.
It's not myself I should trust to change me.
It’s you Jesus!
I just need to be open and willing and stay very close to Him in prayer.
I will fall and he will help me up, every time.
You are doing the transforming, not me.
You have the power, not me.
That I do believe!!!!
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30