Although it is seldom used in our present culture, repentance is a word Jesus uses at least 19 times in Scripture. For example, in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “…I did not come to call the righteous [those conforming to God’s standard/will], but sinners to repentance” (9:13b). God is love and repentance allows us to draw closer to Him.
Repentance in Hebrew isteshuvah, pronounced teh-SHOO-vah which means “to return.” We may like to think of repentance as simply, “I’m sorry, God,” but it is much more than an apology for one’s thoughts or actions; it is a decision to embrace an entire change of direction. Our human nature must decrease, so the God-life can increase.
In our relationship with God, we are either moving closer to God through our love walk or we are not. Love is more than a feeling; love is a choice! We can choose to love God and his righteous standard, the world’s unrighteous standard, or our own selfish standard. We must choose Jesus who is God’s righteous standard of Love. When we venture off God’s path of Love, we must repent and reroute.
In our passage today, Jesus reminds his disciples he is the fulfillment of God’s standard. He helps the disciples understand the reality of his being and the plans God has to express his love for an unrighteous humanity. So, Jesus offers forgiveness of sin and an invitation to repentance. To help us, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to empower us. Jesus then ascends to heaven, because his work to bring redemption is complete. Jesus came to earth as a servant, but he ascends as Lord and Ruler. If we choose Jesus and invite him to be Lord, the Spirit helps us listen, understand, serve, and draw closer to God each day.
Today is celebrated as ascension day or Holy Thursday—40 days following the resurrection of Jesus—and his return to heaven back into the divine glory of the Father. In the power of the Spirit, we [human beings] are left with the choice to worship the Lord as we learn to live in his holy Love. To choose otherwise leaves us separated from God—a state of spiritual death.
Luke 24:44-53 NLT
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,[all people] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The Ascension
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson on your ascension back to heaven and the promise you have made to glorify those who choose to connect to the love of Christ. You are our eternal life-link, Lord, and we are so grateful. Help us to trust in the work of the Spirit to lead us closer to you each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.