We celebrated the Ascension of Jesus. Jesus' Ascension back to heaven took place forty days after his resurrection. Jesus had completed his work as the Savior, winning salvation for everyone. At his Ascension he reclaimed his place as the King of Kings!

To help us understand what it means that Jesus is our King, Lutheran theologians have spoken of three kingdoms that Jesus rules. Recalling the different kingdoms helps us remember the true goal of Jesus' reign has our King.

Jesus rules a Kingdom of Power (also called his Kingdom of Nature or Kingdom of the World). All of nature and creation bows to Jesus' will. Even while on earth, the disciples marveled that "Even the wind and waves obey him" (Mark 4:41). How Jesus uses this power remains hidden in the wisdom of God and is often a mystery to us. Demanding answers to "Why did God let that happen?" is a dangerous question if we conclude that God is unfair or unloving. We may not understand the actions of our Lord. Proof of his love for us is not how life unfolds; proof is found at the cross of Jesus! He has saved us for eternity. Until we are fully set free from sin, "we live by faith, not be sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7) and must submit ourselves to God's perfect will.

Jesus rules a Kingdom of Grace. This kingdom is not a place, but the activity of God in the hearts of all who believe. By grace, he creates faith and unites us to himself. The Kingdom of Grace is the Christian Church. Jesus rules this kingdom through the preaching of the Word and the administration of the Sacraments. Through the gospel in these "means of grace" sinners see the fullness of God's grace! This kingdom will endure to the end of time. This kingdom is a kingdom of faith; hardships or persecution do not remove one from this kingdom.

Finally, Jesus rules a Kingdom of Glory. Jesus' Kingdoms of Power and Grace are ultimately leading to the greatest of his Kingdoms. We will live in the glory of heaven! In heaven, God's people will not know sadness or troubles. All will be perfect. In Revelation 7:14-17 we hear a description of heaven: "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple. The one seated on the throne will shelter them: They will no longer hunger; they will no longer thirst; the sun will no longer strike them, nor will any scorching heat. For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne will shepherd them; he will guide them to springs of the waters of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Jesus rules - in this world and in your life! Give thanks to your Ascended Lord for his power, grace, and the glory that is to come.

 

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling