Reflections
Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9 (Read)
“God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy.”
This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension
of our Lord, who was taken up to heaven
to be seated at the right hand of the Father,
far above every principality, with authority
over every nation. (Ephesians 1:21)
With such an awesome God on his throne,
what hope do we have as mere human beings
that we will ever be able to approach Him?
How far above us can this Jesus be,
if He is taken up to heaven
and has all things put beneath his feet?
The words of a popular song say,
“Our God is an awesome God, He reigns
with power and love.”
Power is often associated with arrogance
and brutal treatment, but our God uses his
power to work miracles, and bring about healing.
And his power is expressed by his love,
by which we are raised up with Jesus.
Fortunately for us humans, Jesus has a plan
for us – we can feel his power and presence
within us, so long as we repent from our sins
and believe in Him. He is risen, and is seated
at the right hand of the Father in heaven.
Knowing this, we shout with joy, and we praise
Him. He leaves with us a way to share
in his divinity, through the Holy Spirit which He
sends to us. That same promise Jesus made
to his disciples is available to us – the promise
of the Father, the gift of the holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)
After Jesus' Ascension, the disciples begin
their active ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit.
That same power is given to us so long as we believe;
we too are called to ministry. And for that we are
inspired to praise the Lord. As the psalmist says,
“Clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness,
sing praise to God!”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Over and over our psalmist calls for us to shout to God and
sing praise to God, as God mounts his throne. Tell of how you
personally praise the Lord with 'cries of gladness.'
2. The verses of our psalm for this Ascension Sunday place our
Lord in his kingship and on his throne, and make it seem that God
is so far above us that we may not be able to approach Him easily.
How do you handle this apparent dilemma?
How do you approach our Lord?
This is a powerful reflection. The way you showed the difference in God's power and man's power is powerful indeed. Great food for thought as we go about proclaiming the kingdom of God and that Jesus reigns.
ReplyDeleteOur belief in the Lord is based on FAITH, and that’s where it has to start. From there move on to how you would treat a really good friend or maybe a deceased parent. ……. find a private place, inside or out….your preference, and start by thanking Him for all that He has given to us that live in this beautiful country. We all have much to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteI personally love the dichotomy of all-powerful kingship and approachable Abba Father. I envision that we are to boldly present our prayers before the throne. At the same time, we know that God has a heart of such love that He lends his ear toward us with mercy, with compassion, and sometimes even humor.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a heart of humility pleases God and as long as I bring myself and my petitions to him, in a humble state, the Lord listens. I am reminded of another Psalm. Psalm 141:2 says, "May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice." I have such images in mind when I pray.
As we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ this Sunday, I thought about Him once again, "What an awesome God we have !" Glory, Glory and Praise!
ReplyDeleteAll because of Jesus, salvation is available to mere human beings like us. Whoever believes in God will become a coheir, regardless of whether they are Jew or gentile. He has authority over every nation, far above every principality. He governs with power, glory, love and justice.
That's why I am inspired to praise the Lord endlessly. He will accept me with His open arms if I profess my faith in Him as my Savior. In His Mercy my personal dilemma will be solved. I just believe this.