The Ascension of the Lord (Seventh Sunday of Easter)

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. - Acts 1:8

The disciples want to know about the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. Jesus redirects them: not for you to know the times and seasons the Father has set. What you need to know is this: the Spirit is coming, and when the Spirit comes you will have power, and the power is for witness - in Jerusalem first, then Judea, then Samaria, then to the ends of the earth. The mission expands concentrically from where you are standing.

He was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight. And they stood there, staring at the sky, until two men in white redirected them: why are you standing here looking up? He will return. In the meantime, go back to Jerusalem and wait. The waiting is not passivity - it is the necessary preparation for the power. And the power is not for their own comfort. It is for witness.

Paul prays that the eyes of the Ephesians' hearts would be enlightened to know the surpassing greatness of the power at work in those who believe - the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated him far above every principality and authority and dominion. That power is in you. Not metaphorically. Actually. The enthroned Christ is the head of the body you belong to. Every power and authority in your life is already beneath his feet.

Name the principality that feels largest to you right now - the fear, the authority, the force that seems to be running things in an area of your life. Place it explicitly under the feet of the enthroned Christ this week. Not as a feeling but as a decision: Lord, this is under your feet, not over my head. And wait for Pentecost: the power that witnesses is coming. Do not run ahead of the waiting. Carry [name] into the prayer: Lord, let him know the surpassing greatness of the power at work in those who believe.

Lord, you are enthroned far above every principality and authority and power and dominion. All things are under your feet. Let the eyes of my heart be enlightened to know the power that is already at work in me - the same power that raised you from the dead. And send me into my Jerusalem as a witness. The Spirit is coming. Alleluia. Amen.