Kite flying for beginners

By Sarah.
Today is Ascension Day and also a great day for flying kites.
Why? Because Jesus ROSE UP. A bit like flying a kite. Imagine being one of the disciples, staring up into the sky, dumbstruck watching Jesus, your friend, mentor and Lord, the one who just 40 days ago conquered death, rise up into the clouds.
There are two reasons today is a great day to go out, have a picnic and celebrate with some kite flying.

1. Celebrations are the perfect way to remind us of some very important events.
2. It is a way to share with others – friends and family about why we choose to celebrate.

Hebrews 7:25 talks about what Jesus is doing now as He is sitting at the right hand of Father God.
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
This verse is incredible as it truly lets us in on what is going on in heaven while we wait for Jesus’ promised return.

Consider my understanding of this verse;
It basically says: He (Jesus) is able to save us – anyone who comes to God in the name of Jesus Christ. Because He lives FOREVER, He is able to speak to God on our
behalf.

So a man, an ordinary (yet perfect) man is sitting physically next to the creator of the universe. He is talking to His Father about you, and me, letting God Almighty – the one who literally causes the sun to rise every morning – know that you are worth sparing.
That though you don’t always do the right thing, you are worth redeeming. Sinful, lowly though you are, you are acceptable to enter into heaven.
Our Saviour is awesome.
All is going to be okay because Jesus left us to defend and speak to God about how much He loves you. To the end of time, he is by your side, he has your back through every mess you need to wade through in this sin-filled life. You are not alone, and you do not have to defend yourself before God, that is Jesus’ job. All you need to do is ask, “Lord, please forgive me.”

You can look up and watch that kite, and remember who else is up there past the clouds, protecting you from the wrath of God. Perhaps if someone asks you can let them in on why you are celebrating, it is because that is the job Jesus gave his disciples and us when He left.

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” Acts 1:6-7

“Now when He (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said,

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you say Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11

I can imagine that after all of these events, being told by the strangers that Jesus is returning: “Jesus is coming back! They may well have thought, ‘We can not just stand around! There is work to do!’
It was after all, shorty after Jesus commissioned them to tell the world what had happened. All four of the gospels tell the same story.
‘As the Father sent me, I am sending you. While Jesus is up there doing His job, we have been given ours. Go among your friends and family and those you meet and remind them of this wonderful day, which is so amazing to celebrate and perhaps they can fly a kite in remembrance too.
The disciples had their mission and it is a mission that has been passed on to today and every day until the return of the King…