The Story of GodSample

Making disciples is Jesus' mission, and we have the joy of joining in. Jesus didn't say 'follow me and fish for men', he said that if we follow him, he would make us fishers of men. As the Holy Spirit is poured out on us, and we walk in step with him, our hearts are transformed. Our will is changed. Power is given to us. We are moulded by God into vessels for a noble purpose.

Jesus is serving us and making us more like him, and as we become like him, we start to love what he loves and do what he does. We start helping others to follow Jesus. This is the consequence of a saving encounter with God, not an optional extra for the most outgoing, and also not a means to try to earn God's love or the respect of other Christians.

Jesus' ascension is good news for us. When he made a way for us to pass through death, he also made a way for us to enter into the presence of the Father in his throne room. We can approach the throne of God, because our Saviour pioneered the way and brings us with him. And because he ascended to heaven, he can pour out the Spirit, like rain on dusty fields, bringing life and a harvest that will glorify God.

Questions

How are you comforted by Jesus' ascension?

How can you see the Spirit shaping you into a fisher of men?