Dwelling in the Dissonance: Witnesses of the Ascension

Sometimes we imagine the ascension of Jesus kind of leaving earth behind. But perhaps it's better understood as Jesus expanded his presence through his people. The body of Christ is now the church. Which means the question becomes, how will the world encounter Jesus through us? Will they encounter fear or mercy? Anger or compassion? Domination or servanthood? Exclusion or welcome? [01:00:45] (32 seconds)  #JesusThroughUs

That's the line that amazes me because I think I would have felt a little bit abandoned again. I would have wanted just one more sermon, one more miracle, one more meal around the table, one more clear answer about what comes next. But the disciples are beginning to understand something is essential. The work of God does not end with Jesus physically standing with them. In many ways, for them, the mission is only beginning. [00:53:30] (31 seconds)  #MissionBegins

Begin recognizing Christ alive among ordinary, faithful people. In meals shared with neighbors, in acts of forgiveness, in communities that care for the vulnerable, in quiet courage, in prayers whispered through tears, in people choosing compassion over cruelty. And in churches that continue to love even when the world teaches suspicion or division. That is resurrection and witness, that is ascension of faith. [01:00:13] (32 seconds)  #ChristInCommunity

But we're called to witness anyway. And this is why dwelling in the dissonance matters so deeply and so profoundly. Christian faith isn't denied. We don't pretend that suffering isn't real. We don't ignore grief in our lives. And we don't close our eyes to injustice. We don't force shallow optimism on some painful realities. Instead hold sorrow and hope together. [00:56:14] (28 seconds)  #HoldHopeAndSorrow

They now know that even when they can't fully see what God is doing, God is still at work. And friends, we need to remember that. Because the world around us feels loud and polarized and ear crib. Everything seems to become an argument. Everything's a battle for power. And in the middle, all that noise and all that distraction, the church faces a profound temptation to respond in the same spirit as the world. [00:57:10] (29 seconds)  #GodStillAtWork

Jesus tells the men that you are witnesses of these things. Not spectators, not consumers, witnesses. And a witness doesn't merely possess information. A witness testifies who their life. The disciples are being sent into a world that's still ruled by empires, ruled by violence and fear, oppression and division. And they're being called to bear witness to an entirely different kingdom. [00:54:01] (30 seconds)  #LiveAsWitnesses

This is exactly what the disciples are doing at the Ascension. Jesus is leaving and they worship. The world is still broken, the mission ahead probably overwhelming. And yet they praise God continually. How is this even possible? Because resurrection has changed them. Not by removing uncertainty, but by transforming how they understand it. [00:56:42] (28 seconds)  #WorshipInUncertainty

And if I'm honest with you, I think I would have struggled at that moment, just a wee bit after the fear of Holy Week, after the trauma of the cross, after the confusion of the empty tomb, after the joy of that resurrection appearance, wouldn't it make sense for Jesus to stay just a little longer? Wouldn't this be a moment for stability and reflecting? [00:52:34] (24 seconds)  #LearningToWait