Emphasis Preaching Journal

As I get older I find I don't always remember all the details exactly the way that I should. I don't remember, for instance, where it was that the youth of the group we were working with released some 300 balloons with gospel messages enclosed. All I can remember now is just watching all those balloons go into the sky and eventually out of sight. It seemed like it took them a long time. But I remember the night I was at the space center in Florida and watched as a weather satellite was launched. The speed with which that massive satellite burst from the launch pad and went skyward was an awesome sight. They tell me that Jesus' disciples witnessed an awesome sight when he ascended to the Father right from their presence. The word says that while he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. Wouldn't you have enjoyed being there to witness that ascension? Christ was exalted. The sure word of God was preached. And a mighty church was being birthed. We are a part of that church. Nothing happened in the days of the disciples that we cannot feel a part of if we simply trust God to reveal it to us. But the reality of understanding God's ways and the life of Christ are ours to enjoy by drawing nigh to his side, not in the distancing of ourselves from him. We need to feel him so close that we can, with just a little imagination, sense in our inner spirit the very presence of Christ himself. You can relive all the Gospel reports of the life of Christ. Wait before him and allow him to ascend into your life in all his fullness.
-- Shearer