Sequel or Prequel?

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. (Luke 24:36-53, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
In the last couple months, Gayle and I have become hooked on a series we’ve found on Netflix, “White Collar.” We are in the second season and enjoy it so far. It’s a drama about a white collar crime unit in the FBI and the cases that they work to solve. The main characters are Neal who is a con that has committed many notorious white collar crimes and Peter who is the lead FBI investigator that works with Neal and a FBI team to solve each episode’s crime. But it’s not just a one crime per episode that gets neatly solved. Neal’s past and Peter’s past come back; former associates of Neal and Peter’s weave in and out; unsolved crimes surface with new clues, but then fade away. Themes also come and go and evolve. At first Peter is just using Neal as a tool, but as time passes works to reform Neal. Neal, once hardened begins to soften and enjoys working for the good guys, but always feels the pull of his former con life’s luxury and excitement. 

I’ve begun to see the Bible and God’s interaction with mankind in a similar way. There are certainly episodes and main characters that come and go, but the themes run from episode to episode and repeat. Alan Hawkins several years back came to PRF and did a study on Revelation. It was awesome and for me and eye opening in regards to episodes and themes. He stated that Biblical images, events, and prophecies echo from Old Testament into the New and New Testament back into the Old. I love this stuff. Wouldn’t that make sense if we serve an omnipotent God who loves us and wants the best for mankind? He has a plan and he works the plan for mankind’s salvation. Mankind is his raw material filled with limitations and flaws, but God is committed to keep working with what He has in order to push His plan forward. 

So what does this have to do with Luke 24:36-53? I’m glad you asked. 

We might look simply at Luke 24:36-53 as the close of an episode, a nice story to make sure all the loose ends are tied up. Or, I think better, the bridge to the next step in God’s plan. Read both Luke 24:36-53 and Acts 1:1-11. They are the same story told by the same writer. Luke tells the story of Jesus’ life and ministry. Acts picks up where Luke ends and tells the story of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the Apostles and the early Christian church. Luke 24:36-53 and Acts 1:1-11 are like the end of one episode and the beginning of another. Luke 24:36-53 closes off some aspects of the story, Jesus in the form a man continually living and working with the disciples. Acts 1:1-11 repeats enough of the story in Luke that we understand the connection, but more clearly points to what is to come, the Holy Spirit working in and through mankind. 

Some Divine exchange happens in this story. Jesus ascends to heaven after He accomplishes everything that was written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. But God isn’t finished. Jesus tells them “I am going to send you what my Father has promised.” Now you’re like Gayle and me watching the end of an episode of White Collar. Wonder what happens next? It’s 11:15pm and you have a long day tomorrow… alright, let’s watch the next episode. 

And in the case of this story in Luke the next episode is really worth staying up late for. Theologian Graham Cooke says that God’s plan has transitioned from visitation to dwelling. Jesus dwelled with us on earth for a short time physically walking in our steps and feeling our pain and limitations, but showing us how God could work through a man. In the Ascension or because of the Ascension the focus will change. Jesus is no longer with us 24/7 as physical man, but God doesn’t leave us. He sends us the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Read Acts 2:1-13 and you’ll see what Jesus tells his disciples is going to happen next, “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). 

This is a moment when Earth is pulled up to Heaven with Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven and later at Pentecost Heaven is poured on to Earth. There’s a merging or mingling of Heaven and Earth, which is the fulfillment of Jesus’ words “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Mathew 6:10). 

I like how in Acts everyone there is looking up intently into the sky as Jesus ascends into heaven and suddenly two men dressed in white stand beside them and ask “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” Yep, that’s me. Probably dumb struck by some event, something I heard or read, something that was once important, but now has past and God wanting me to move on to something even greater. 

If you want a bit more on this story or topic, check out this YouTube link: “Why the Ascension of the Lord Matters.” I found it meaningful. 




PRAYER:
God why am I troubled, and why do doubts rise in my mind? You move throughout time and through my life to always draw us to You. You have provided for me and want to continue to provide for my needs. Best of all, You want to include me in Your plans for mankind. Let it be. Open my eyes and my mind to You and Your plans. 


WHO AM I?
I am David Norris, and here I am in one of my natural states of rest. I’m not watching White Collar I’m watching Rango with Becca who stayed with us a while back and her daughter Julia. Good times.