ASCENSION DAY

 

THE ASCENSION And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself. John 12:32 NLT Jesus was referring to his crucifixion when he made that statement, but it also predicts his Resurrection, Ascension, and his exalted position at the Right Hand of the Father. And, it alludes to the bronze serpent in Numbers 21; when the people looked on the bronze snake that Moses hung on a pole, and the people were healed from venomous snake bites. In a similar way, Christ serves as our mediator and our healer when we look to Him. Jesus sure packed a whole lot into that one short sentence, didn't He? The key to all this is the phrase "lifted up." When Jesus came to earth to deliver us from sin and death, he never intended to stay here. He walked among us, ministering to all the problems that plague mankind, but it was all temporary: Jesus was only with us for 33 years. That's because the love of God is far more vast and far-reaching than the life of one Man. And so, Jesus Christ ascended, so he could reach even further to every corner of earth with his Love. The Greek word Agape is used to describe the love of God. Agape is translated as pure, holy, divine and transcendent. Agape love seeks to draw us UP from the situation we are in, so we can understand God's love and God's perspective. Agape Love wants us to become like HIM. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16 God's Agape love freely accepts anyone who desires this Transformation. This is the message of the Gospel! Jesus paid the price so we can be saved from the grasp of sin. There is no other religion on earth that so freely talks about the love of God, and offers His redeeming love so generously. Jesus Christ is the one and only God who Loves us and Saves us. And it's all possible because Jesus was "lifted up."