Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you …
The Ascension and Jesus’ Return (Part 3 of 3)
What does Jesus' ascension have to do with his eventual return? When will it happen and how should we prepare for it? In this third and final installment of my three-part reflection on Ascension Day this week, I want to reflect today on the significance of Jesus' return after His ascension. After Jesus' ascension, two heavenly …
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The Ascension and Jesus’ Intercession (Part 2 of 3)
Prayer is one of the most universal aspirations of the human heart, but what does it mean that Jesus, ascended with the Father, now eternally intercedes for us? In the second part of my three-part reflection on Ascension Day this week, I want to reflect on the significance that after His ascension Jesus intercedes for us. …
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The Ascension and Jesus’ Enthronement (Part 1 of 3)
We celebrate Ascension Day this week, so I want to take this opportunity give attention to one of the most-neglected aspects of the life and ministry of Jesus. Forty days after His resurrection, after appearing many times to the disciples, Jesus ascended into heaven with the Father again (Luke 24:49-51; Mark 16:19; Acts 1:3-10). The ascension of …
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Four Aspects of Suffering in Joseph
Let’s reflect on four aspects of suffering that we see in the life of Joseph: Joseph’s family dynamic brought suffering down upon him. Joseph did not choose to be born into the dysfunctional and broken family system of Abraham's generations, but that was the context of his birth and growth. The tensions between Joseph and …
Matthew Erickson 