Saturday, May 23, 2015
Luke 24:51-53 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.
BE THOU OUR JOY AND STRONG DEFENSE
It is not easy to say good-bye. Whether it is at the door of our home, at an airport or bus depot or grave-side, it is hard to part with those whom we treasure. When Jesus parted from His disciples and was carried up into heaven, they knew this was something different from "see you in the morning." In that moment it must have seemed a very short time since Jesus had been restored to them at Easter.
Yet they returned to Jerusalem "with great joy," and for those days following His ascension, they were meeting together and praising God! What kind of a blessing could it be that would leave them with such joy even though they could no longer see their Savior?
They were blessed with the same blessings that He has given to us, blessed in the knowledge:
that Jesus is with us even thought we do not see Him,
that He is exalted to the position of ruling over all for our benefit,
that He sends His Holy Spirit to persuade us to cling to Jesus,
that He will come again, and we will live with Him forever. Hallelujah!
Be Thou our Joy and strong Defense,
Who art our future Recompense: -- Alleluia!
So shall the light that springs from Thee
Be ours through all eternity. -- Alleluia!
O risen Christ, ascended Lord,
All praise to Thee let earth accord, -- Alleluia!
Who art, while endless ages run,
With Father and with Spirit One. -- Alleluia!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 212:6-7)
