Blessing God

Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-11

“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” Luke 24:50-53

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:1-11

There is so much to reflect on between the Resurrection and the Ascension, yet I feel compelled to linger at the Ascension. This moment marks a turning point—not just in the timeline of Jesus’s ministry, but in the lives of those who followed Him. After rising from the dead, Jesus spent time with His disciples once again, preparing them for the new reality they would soon face. He knew that His departure was necessary; only when He left would the Holy Spirit—the Helper—come to empower and guide them.

Luke’s account of these events may not offer the detailed narrative found in Acts, but his words focus our attention on what truly matters: the response of Jesus’s followers. After witnessing His ministry, death, and miraculous resurrection, they saw Him ascend into heaven. This time, grief did not consume them. Instead, their hearts overflowed with joy—a joy so profound that it sustained them as they continually worshipped and blessed God in the temple.

Imagine the transformation: once lost in sorrow and confusion, now filled with unwavering joy and hope. Their experience challenges us to ask, “What would it take for us to be so filled with great joy that we would continually bless God?” How often do we come before God seeking blessings, but rarely consider how we might bless Him in return?

Simeon got it at the birth of Christ.  His words would be a great place to start our blessing God.

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”   Luke 2:29-32ESV

Blessing God is more than words or ritual; it is a response to the salvation we have received. When we allow the truth of our salvation to take root in our hearts, joy naturally follows—a joy that cannot be contained. This joy compels us to worship, to live with gratitude, and to share the love of God with others. Our salvation is not just a personal gift; it is an invitation to radiate joy and love, to be a blessing to God and those around us.

So, how can our salvation fill us with lasting joy? Where, in the midst of that joy, can we share God’s love with others? Let us seek to bless God—not just by asking for gifts, but by responding to His grace through worship, gratitude, and love. May this joy transform our hearts and overflow into the world around us.

• How does reflecting on the Ascension deepen your understanding of the joy and hope found in Christ’s promises?
• In what ways can you actively bless God in your daily life, beyond seeking blessings for yourself?
• How might the joy of salvation influence your interactions and relationships with others this week?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the joy and hope You offer through Your Resurrection and Ascension. Fill our hearts with lasting joy that leads us to worship You and bless Your name. Help us to live each day with gratitude and love, sharing Your joy and salvation with everyone around us. Empower us by Your Spirit to be a blessing to You and to others. Amen.