Luke 24:44-53 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 Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and 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. (NIV)

Today it was my privilege to preach to the saints at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Colleyville, Texas, where my son-in-law is Senior Pastor. They were observing Ascension Sunday, so I preached on the text above, focusing on the command of Jesus to be witnesses.

One story I shared was about my eight-year-old grandson who lives in Colorado. I am humbled by the way that boy shares his faith. When he was in Kindergarten, all through the school year, he would tell his mother, “Today’s the day I’m going to make sure — (and then he would name one of his classmates) – Today is the day I’m going to make sure he/she knows about Jesus. I’ve been praying to get ready, and today is the day.” And then he would do it. He’d come home and tell his mother how it went. “She already knows about Jesus” or “he had never heard about Him before.”  And he did that with most of his classmates throughout the year. Even one that was being bully to him. He wanted to make sure they know. “And a little child shall lead them…”

We can all do that. It is possible if we with the help the Spirit of God offers. The problems come when we forget that we are His witnesses. Remember who you are. You know that Jesus died to pay for your sin. You live in the certainty not only of the Resurrection, but also of the Ascension; our Lord lives and reigns in heaven; He has gone to prepare a place for you; while you are here, you are to live as His witnesses. God grant this.