I’ve realized that the Ascension is not about Jesus abandoning us. Rather, it is quite the opposite. The Ascension is about a promise.
You see, this thing we call discipleship is a wild and precious journey. It takes us from what we are used to and transports us to unfamiliar places where we find a familiar grace. Sure, I had never been to Macedonia or Philippi. However, I sure did recognize the hospitality that was shown us by Lydia and her family. It was the hospitality that was first shown to me when I was on the road to Damascus and I was struck blind and had to be led back home and cared for for several days. I’ve received that hospitality. And I believe it is my duty to reciprocate it.
By the year 2044, white non-Hispanics will be a minority in this country. Will those who are soon to no longer be the majority treat this with curiosity and welcome or fear and anger?
You see, I don’t think y’all came here today to satisfy some nostalgic obligation. I think you came here today because you’re looking for a little life amid the chaos, amid the grief, amid the cruelty of this world. So take a little life home with you today. Take it home and share the life that is found in this five-word sermon.