Post-Ascension Party

November 1

(Luke 24:52-53 NIV) “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. {53} And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.”

(John 4:24 NIV) "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

(Romans 12:1 NIV) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship."

(Revelation 4:10-11 NIV) ""The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: {11} "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.""

After Christ’s ascension into Heaven, His followers returned to Jerusalem with great joy in their hearts. Despair and fear were behind them. Jesus had defeated darkness and death. They knew the truth now, and their response was continual worship. For a time, they were at the temple every day, praising God and proclaiming the resurrection. They were Christ’s witnesses, and they preached repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all who would listen. This was their “spiritual act of worship”. The church today is still called to these same behaviors. We are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and live our lives with joy, filled with praise for God. Worship Christ in spirit and in truth, for He is worthy “to receive glory and honor and power”. He is risen, and He has ascended to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Praise the Lord! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day