Day 5: Glorified but Compassionate Lord

All week we have been looking at some of Jesus’ post-Easter appearances. We have seen how glorious he is. Not only the glory of his resurrection body, but also the glory of his love. No matter who he interacted with, he did it with tremendous compassion and tenderness.

He appeared off and on to his disciples for 40 days. On the 40^th day, he majestically ascended into heaven.

“When he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.”

Acts 1:9

This doesn’t mean Jesus is now resting on his laurels. He didn’t retire after accomplishing his earthly mission. As he ascended, he told his disciples:

“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Matthew 28:20

 Jesus remains intensely interested in and active in the lives of his believing children.

Right now he rules the universe for their good. This is an extremely comforting thought in these troubled times. In ways we can’t predict, he will use even this pandemic to benefit those who trust in him.

The key is to trust him and not yourself. Trust that he has already done everything necessary for you to live eternally with God. Trust that he kept all the commandments for you. Trust that he paid for all your sins. Don’t divide your trust between what he did and what you imagine you must do. Divided trust is no trust at all.

Not only that. Thinking you must add to what he did greatly dishonors him. It calls into question the sufficiency of his sacrifice—something Jesus hates.

On the other hand, he loves when people trust him completely. When they point only to what he did to be pleasing to God. When they believe that, because of him, their sins are completely forgiven. When they trust only in him.

Jesus is glorious. And compassionate. Put all your trust in him.

Have a wonderful weekend.