Grace Notes 2021-05-12

Before I venture further in the “how to” of evangelizing, or gospeling, others, I wish to reflect on the people we should be reaching out to. I hope that sounds a little strange. But really, who should I be witnessing to?

Of course we can say that we should be seeking to evangelize everyone, you know, make disciples of all nations. And yes, of course, in general this is true. But I would suggest sharing your faith with some particular individual rather than everyone in general. It is like the man who is madly in love with the whole world, but really struggles to love his neighbor.

As Lutherans we join other Christians in speaking about our baptismal vocations. And we understand three realms in which we are to serve the neighbor. First we are to serve the family that God has placed us in. Seldom do we have any choice in this. We were not consulted at our births or adoptions. God has seen to it that we are taken care of in a family.

Second, our family lives in a community. Most immediately we are surrounded by neighbors. We are called to live our faith, to be little christs, to our family and our surrounding neighbors in our community. In many cases we had little to do with who these people are.

And third, as baptized believers we have been joined to a Christian Community, a Church, in which we are part of a family of faith. Sometimes we have some say where this is. Other times, especially when we have been raised in the faith, this too was determined for us. Here also we are called to constantly gospel and serve others.

I say all this, because one of the less than helpful ways evangelism is pictured for us is with complete strangers. Without denying the possibility, it is not a good model. And when we pay attention it is not the way it is usually done in the Scriptures…

Since You Asked…

What is the significance of The Ascension Day Commemoration?

Forty days following Easter the Resurrected Christ ascended to heaven, where as we confess in the Creed, he is seated at the right hand of the Father. The account of the ascension of our Lord occurs in both Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9-11. As described in these passages Jesus led his disciples up Mount Olivet near Jerusalem where suddenly they witnessed his being elevated up into the sky until a cloud took him away from their sight. This signified his return to heaven where, as we confess in the Creed, he is seated at the right hand of the Father. This enthronement is a description of the all-inclusive authority he is given by the Father. Christ’s going away necessarily preceded his promised sending of the Holy Spirit. Another hint at the significance of his ascension has to do with his serving as a High Priest interceding for his Church.