Sunday After Ascension (B C P). Series

Psalm 68:32-35, 2 Kings 2:9-15, 1 Peter 4:7-11, John 15:26-27, John 16:1-4.

A). O SING PRAISES UNTO THE LORD.

Psalm 68:32-35.

PSALM 68:32. The closing exhortation of this Psalm calls upon all the kingdoms of the earth to sing praises unto God.

PSALM 68:33. He is again referred to under the figure of “Him that rideth upon the heavens” (cf. Psalm 68:4). But now we are told that the heavens were “of old.” “He sent out His voice, and that a mighty voice” when He cried, ‘Light be’ and there was light (cf. Genesis 1:3).

PSALM 68:34. God’s strength is to be recognised. His goodness to Israel acknowledged. His mighty power over nature also taken into consideration.

PSALM 68:35. “O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places.” His people honour Him, His enemies ARE scattered (cf. Psalm 68:1). It is our covenant God, the God of Israel whose all-sufficiency sustains His people. “Blessed be God.”

B). ELISHA TAKES UP THE MANTLE OF ELIJAH.

2 Kings 2:9-15.

1. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's blessing, but Elijah laid emphasis on God’s sovereignty in this matter (2 Kings 2:9-10). After Elijah was taken up, Elisha tore his own clothes into two pieces, then took up Elijah's mantle and (again miraculously) crossed back over the River Jordan (2 Kings 2:11-14). The “sons of the prophets” were perfectly assured that “the spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha” (2 Kings 2:15).

2. There was also concern for the continuity of the church after the ascension of Jesus. It was a time for waiting, according to His instruction, for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). The question of continuity amongst the Apostles was something of a distraction during the waiting time, but did give rise to a timeless definition of the qualifications required of an Apostle (Acts 1:21-22).

3. The visible church still has to address occasional gaps in ministry, when one servant passes the mantle to another. The times between ministries are times for waiting, for prayer (Acts 1:14), and for maintaining church unity (Acts 2:1).

C). THE GRACE OF SERVICE.

1 Peter 4:7-11.

Peter has already told us the ‘last days’ began at Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:16-18). Now he tells us that “the end of all things is at hand” (1 PETER 4:7a). Although he wrote those words nearly two millennia ago, that sense of imminence remains. The question is: How should we live as we wait in these in-between times between the ascension and return of Jesus?

Peter’s answer is clear: “Be sober-minded, and watchful unto prayers” (1 PETER 4:7b). Peter goes on to call us to sober watchfulness because ‘the devil, as a roaring lion’ is ‘seeking whom he may devour’ (cf. 1 Peter 5:8).

If we have indeed tasted of the good things of the Lord (cf. Hebrews 6:5), then we shall live in joyful hope, and not in despair, as we wait for the end (cf. 1 Peter 1:13). The return of Jesus is good news, after all, for His own people. It is joyous news: which is why the expression ‘miserable Christians’ is such an oxymoron!

Sober-mindedness equips us for prayer. Not only are we not to fall prey to the demon drink, but we are called to watchful waiting for the return of the Lord. Jesus Himself warned His servants against letting our guards down because of the supposed ‘delay’ in His coming (cf. Luke 12:45-46).

“But before all things,” Peter calls us to fervent love for one another within the church (1 PETER 4:8a; cf. 1 Peter 1:22). This is a deep love, a constant love. We love God ‘because He first loved us’ (cf. 1 John 4:19); and Jesus instructs us to ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (cf. John 13:34-35). Paul tells us that ‘love never fails’ (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:8).

Peter tells us that “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 PETER 4:8b; cf. Proverbs 10:12). This answers Peter’s own question to the Lord, ‘How many times must I forgive my brother?’ (cf. Matthew 18:21-22). “A multitude” is innumerable. It is inappropriate to count how many times!

Peter continues, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 PETER 4:9). On one occasion Jesus upbraided a Pharisee for his lack of hospitality: ‘You gave me no water to wash my feet &c.’ (cf. Luke 7:44-48).

But Jesus stooped down to wash His disciples’ feet in the Upper Room (cf. John 13:4-5). Jesus then said, ‘If I then your Lord and Master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet’ (cf. John 13:14). It is a picture of service, from the One who ‘came not to be ministered unto, but to minister’ (cf. Mark 10:45).

Jesus speaks of hospitality to those on His right hand: ‘I was a stranger, and you took me in’ (Matthew 25:35). He continues, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done in unto me’ (cf. Matthew 25:40).