Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church Reverend James Douthwaite

Today we get to listen to Jesus pray. And when you pray, sometimes you pray a prepared prayer, like the Lord's Prayer. But sometimes you just pray what's on your heart. And then sometimes, we get to listen to someone else praying. And those times can be precious. So to get to hear Jesus pray... we shouldn't underestimate that.

The Ascension of Our Lord is both one of the most important -- and most forgotten -- days in the life of the church. It is the completion of the resurrection. Jesus ascends into heaven not for Himself, but for us, that we, too, ascend. To give you hope. The hope that we need. No life, no situation, is beyond hope or help. Because Jesus is on the throne. Whatever you are going through now, it is in reality stubbed toes on your way to the life and glory Jesus has prepared for you.

Jesus wants you to bear fruit. This is not a new teaching of Jesus. He did not leave it up to us to figure out what a good work is and what it is not. He told us, in Ten Commandments. Ten Commandments which tells us not only what not to do, but also tells us those good works we are to do. So how's your fruit? God's original vine, Old Testament Israel, did not produce the fruit God desired. But God promised the vine would grow again. And when Jesus was born, it did. That's what makes these words we heard from Jesus today words for this Easter season.

Do we even need a Good Shepherd anymore? Don't put me in your box... or your pasture. I'm free. Time to put the Good Shepherd out to pasture. But do sheep make good shepherds? Or are we being duped? Because that happens a lot these days, doesn't it? Maybe I could use some help. but not too much! I still want to be free! To do what I want. So, who then? Who should be my shepherd? So the Good Shepherd comes and is thrown out? He lays down His life for the sheep. Which would be foolish is that's all He did. But, of course, He did more. He didn't stay dead.

A lot can change in two months. In the reading from Luke it was Easter evening, the disciples were afraid and hiding, and their hearts were troubled and doubting. But in the reading from Acts, approximately two months later, how different the disciples are! But what changed? The pure spiritual milk that caused them to grow up was the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. That is, the Scriptures.

Jesus knew exactly what they needed. Those disciples who were consumed by guilt, confused, and afraid. They should have done more. What did the future now hold for them? Would they be stoned or crucified? But Jesus knew exactly what they needed. First is forgiveness for their guilt and shame. But still more they needed, Jesus knew. They needed instruction, purpose. They needed to know that what had just happened, all the events of that past week, was not a monumental catastrophe that messed up and derailed everything and now necessitated Plan B!