God is with You as You Progress
“… I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20 (NIV)
Children across the world are navigating exams. It will trigger a transition to high school, university, or other educational pursuits. Others will become first-timers in the workplace, uncertain of how they will succeed in that first job interview or assigned project. The transition may imply relocation to another school, state, or country or adopting new languages or expertise. Transition burdens us with the weight of past achievements that may not guarantee future success.
Do you know who else was burdened in their transition? Jesus’ disciples!
The disciples had been trained as leaders in waiting with a front-row seat to the miracles performed by Jesus. They had been forearmed and forewarned about their future assignment (John 21:15-17, Matthew 17:22–23), yet they were uncertain [burdened] after the crucifixion; some went back to their comfort zone as fishermen.
What did Jesus do? He prefaced His Ascension with a forty-day period meant to reassure and prepare His disciples for their period of transition, i.e., becoming the new faces of a powerful global evangelism ministry.
[“until the day He was taken up to Heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God.”] (Acts 1:2-3 – NIV).
What should we do during our personal transition? Stand on three guarantees from Jesus:
- Intervention — He promised to be with us, even to the end (Matthew 28:20), which means He will intervene. He will definitely not stand around without bringing you a miracle.
- Intercession – He is seated on the right hand of His Father, praying for us through our transition (Romams 8:34).
- Influence – He promised to send the Holy Spirit, Who gives power, and by Whose wisdom we can influence our situation and environment (Acts 1:8).
Jesus’ Ascension was intended to usher in a success[ion] plan for us. Happy Ascension Day on this 9th May!*
Read: Colossians 3:1, 1 Peter 3:22
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 58; John 6:1-24; Judges 9
Note: *[Ascension Day is a recognised public holiday in several countries, including Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Namibia, Netherlands, Curacoa, Bonaire, and Norway. It is celebrated 39 days following Easter Sunday in the Christian calendar, in recognition of Christ’s Ascension, 40 days after the Resurrection. ]
