A departing blessing

While He blessed them, . . . He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. – Luke 24:51

A cancer-stricken believer was dying. I was in his room as his family gathered around him. One by one he spoke to his children, to their spouses, and to his young grandchildren. He gave each a loving, tender blessing. Even his warnings were spoken with gentleness. He reminded them to keep the Lord in the center of their lives. We wept together, knowing that soon he would no longer be with us. A few days later he was gone.

Our Savior was doing much the same thing just before He ascended to heaven. Rather than weep as they saw Him leave, His disciples were filled with great joy, even though they understood only dimly how they would experience His blessings. But Jesus would soon send the Holy Spirit to indwell them (Acts 1-2). He would carry on a ministry of intercession for them "at the right hand of God" (ROMANS 8:34). And the promise of His return would comfort them (1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18).

As we think about our Savior ascending to heaven, let’s rejoice in the blessings He left us. And as we have occasion, let’s encourage our loved ones to keep Jesus at the center of their lives. Someday we will depart from this earth, and our example and words may be the most precious blessing we can leave behind. – David C. Egner

Your parting words, O Lord, give hope,

They’re filled with promise, joy and love;

Help us to share what You have done

With grace and power from above. – Dennis J. De Haan

READ: LUKE 24:44-53

Christ departed so that the Holy Spirit could be imparted.