Day 68: "… that he might fill all things …"

DAY 68

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

WEEK TEN: THURSDAY 21 MAY 2020

ASCENSION DAY

“… that he might fill all things …”

“Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.” - Prayer for Ascension Day, The Book of Common Prayer

“He … is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.”  Ephesians 4:10. What does it mean for us that Jesus is ascended and fills all things?

THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS COME, MAKING JESUS REAL

“… it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will

not come to you; but if I go I will send him to you … he will glorify me.” - John 16:7, 14

WE CAN LIVE IN THINGS ABOVE WHERE CHRIST IS

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things

above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” - Colossians 3:1

WE CAN HOLD FIRMLY TO OUR FAITH

“… since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” - Hebrews 4:14

JESUS IS INTERCEDING FOR US

“… since Jesus lives forever, … he is able to save completely those who come to

God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” - Hebrews 7:24-25

ALL SPIRITUAL POWERS AND AUTHORITIES ARE SUBJECT TO HIM

“… Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with

angels and authorities and powers in submission to him.” - 1 Peter 3:21-22

Reflective question: Which of these results of Jesus’ ascension means the most to you? Why?

Reflective Scripture: Acts 1:11 – “‘This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”

Reflective hymn: “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus” – William Dix (1837-1898)

Alleluia! Not as orphans are we left in sorrow now.

Alleluia! He is near us; faith believes, nor questions how.

Tho’ the clouds from sight received Him when the forty days were o’er,

Shall our hearts forget His promise: “I am with you evermore?”