Lifting up His Hands He Blessed them

Luther wrote in regard to Jesus’ ascension:

“Christ is seated on high awaiting the time when His enemies shall be made His footstool…He does not sleep, but He watches us.  He does not ask anyone to deputise for Him.  He does it Himself.  When people incline towards Him, He is present to help.  If a man is tempted and he cries to Christ, he will be helped.  The Last Day is not yet come, and the flesh and sin and death still remain, but on the Last Day Christ will deliver up the Kingdom to His Father.  Now He rules in our hearts.  He comforts us, makes us clean, and intercedes for us.

Here on earth is still unstable faith, anxiety about food, and despair, if ever God shows His displeasure.  What is now our comfort?  Christ, our priest, who has atoned for us and looks upon us and sees our enemies and reminds the Father that He is our portion….  We fail to see this only because our eyes are not sufficiently penetrating to pierce the clouds and look into heaven, and be assured that Christ is our Advocate.”

Prayer of the Day: Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.