Eastertide Devotion – May 31

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,  do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:15–23

A few years ago my wife and I discovered a small intimate restaurant that had just opened. The staff was wonderful—the food was better. I mentioned that I hoped that this restaurant would do well and stay in business but not so well that it would be over crowded when we wanted to eat there. It was small precious jewel of a restaurant that I wanted to be a special place for us.

The book of Ephesians is a jewel in the Bible. It is only a few chapters long but it is overflowing in treasures. This section of Ephesians is important because it points out that in Jesus’ ascension He sits at God’s right hand ruling the world for the sake of the Church. But in these nine verses so much else is said it is hard to pick just one thing to share.

Ephesians has such a personal and intimate flavor to it, you should try to read these words and imagine that St. Paul is speaking directly to you. Think of him hearing of your faith and love. Think of him remembering you in his prayers.

I often try to think of Christ Lutheran Church the way St. Paul thought of the Ephesians. As he prays, may we have a spirit of wisdom and knowledge of Jesus.  May our hearts be enlightened to see the riches of the inheritance in heaven that Jesus won for us. May we always remember the immeasurable greatness of God’s power in our lives. This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and brought Him to God’s right hand through His ascension into heaven.

As you go through the day remember how precious you are to God. Remember that He sent Jesus to die and rise for you.  Remember that He is using that power for your good and blessing today and every day.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the hope and assurance of eternal life and the inheritance of the saints. Grant that I may live today and everyday confident in your protection and love. Amen.

The Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:5035-20080122-jerusalem-mt-olives-ascension-edicule.jpg

From very ancient times early Christians secretly gathered in a small cave to remember Jesus’ Ascension from the Mount of Olives. As soon as Christians could freely gather, the place to remember Jesus’ Ascension was moved to its present location farther up the mount. Helen, the mother of Constantine, traveled to the holy land between 326 and 328. On her trip the local people pointed out to her various locations of events from Jesus’ life. When she returned to Rome she arranged for the building of a church on the site of Jesus’ Ascension. During a war in 614 the original church was destroyed by the Persians. By 680 the church was rebuilt. This church was also destroyed but it was rebuilt by the crusaders. Following the fall of Jerusalem in 1187 the church was again destroyed.  The small chapel we see today is all that remains from the previous churches.  It also services as a mosque.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,

Pastor Philip Quardokus