Ascension of Our Lord

May 17 - 23

Book of Numbers, Gospel of Luke

It is a natural human wish to be in the presence of the divine, to be favored, to be blessed. But in this week’s readings, we see how our approach to God always seems to be frought with demands: the spies who distrust God’s plan to give the Israelites the promised land, the rebels who challenge God’s oder for the priesthood, the wealthy young man who wants divine recognition, the religious elites who refuse Jesus’ Gospel and persistently attempt to ensnare him.

Much like the fickle Israelites and moralizing Pharisees, our trust in temporal things leaves us disappointed with God’s order. The food and water aren’t enough. We disapprove of our spiritual leaders’ decisions. We cling to our financial portfolios. We demand that God prove himself. The result is spiritual snakebite, sickness, and destruction.

But there is atonement for us. We can look to the cross and live. As we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, we are reminded yet again that our God remains present among us. His descent as a cloud to the tabernacle was a picture fulfilled by a flesh-and-blood Jesus who overcame death itself to ascend into the heavens. And he did so with a promise: “surely I will be with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Until that day comes, we journey onward, often in troubling times. But our Lord hasn’t truly left us. He feeds and provides with his Spirit. May he grant us faith to recognize it, faithfully follow him, and at last, be able to stand in his presence forever.

Festival of Pentecost

May 24 - 29

Book of Leviticus, Gospel of Luke

Earthly power, glory and greatness all make big appearances in this week’s readings – that is, until they are weighed against the will of God.

In the Old Testament, we follow the story of Balaam, a medium hired by the king of Moab to cast a curse on the Israelites. God’s people are poised to take his kingdom, and the pagan king has no interest in paying homage to anyone. As for Balaam, he seems willing to do almost anything for the right price. But all of his opportunisim is stopped dead in its tracks by the voice of the LORD, who makes it clear - in repeated and surprising ways - that his people will not be cursed, and the land he promised will be given to them.

In the New Testament, St. Luke’s passion reveals a number of similar efforts. The scheming religious authorities, the crafty Roman officials, and even Jesus’ bickering disciples all seem intent upon gaining earthly power, advantage, or glory for themselves.

All of this self-interested talk is silenced by the crucifixion of Jesus. After the sky has darkened, the earth has been shaken, and the Son of God has given up his spirit, earthly glory and abmition are nowhere to be found. In fact, the scoffers who had ridiculed him and called for his execution walk away with heavy hearts, beating their chests in sorrow.

But disciples of Jesus recall a lesson he taught just before his death: true greatness is not found in authority or power, but in humility and service, demonstrated in his perfect obedience to death. And as for glory, Jesus’ resurrection promises something incomparable to any title or crown – a glory he has won for us. The promised land will be ours.

As we continue our journey to it, we can rejoice in Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit, the advocate, who burns these truths into our hearts and compels us live not for ourselves, but in service to the LORD.