One of my first favorite Scriptures as a new Christian was Acts 1:11 “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”. I could almost imagine standing there looking up in awe as Jesus went home to God the Father.
I Can Imagine
I could imagine the Disciples feeling a little sad that He was gone as they stood looking up. I pondered questions in my heart that I could imagine the Disciples might have also thought about. Will Jesus be back soon? Can I really have a close relationship with Him if He is in heaven? Can I be sure I am doing what Jesus would do? Can I deal with these feelings of missing Him and just wanting to be with Him? Am I just standing here on Earth looking up and not doing what Jesus called me to do?
God Sends Messengers
The first Church I joined as a Christian was a Methodist Church in Norcross, Georgia. A young man, Matt gave me two Scriptures, Jeremiah 29:11-15 and Ephesians 5:17-18. Matt was especially concerned about giving me Eph 5:17-18 because, it tells me to not be drunk on wine, but instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. Matt was very concerned that I would be offended and prayed about it for days before giving it to me. He said He did not understand why I needed that Scripture and he agonized over giving me a Scripture that I might find insulting. I am grateful that Matt was obedient. He was so sweet and humble. He wanted to make sure I did not think, that he thought I was some kind of drunk.
God Helps us Through the Scriptures
Numerous times God has brought these Scriptures to my mind that Matt obediently gave me. When I think of Matt, I remember that God is the God of the Living. Matt died due to medical issues when He was 21 years old. He had a heart attack due to a birth defect. I was angry that God took Matt home. It did not make logical sense to me. Matt was a young man of God and we need men like him in the world. God knew something I didn’t know. I needed answers if I was going to be able to forgive God. God helped me deal with my anger at God for Matt’s death. Many Scriptures and prayers helped me deal with the grief of Matt’s death. Isaiah 57:1-2 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 helped me finally let go of my anger and disappointment.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
God used Matt to remind me to not be so overly focused on my earthly concerns. Sadly, more than once in my life I have had to be reminded to come and be filled by the Holy Spirit. While going through very hard times, I had often gotten drunk on worry, fear, anger or grief. Those feelings hardened my heart. Asking God to fill me with His Holy Spirit instead brought me healing and gave me strength to go on. The Holy Spirit comforts me, softens my heart and heals me when I turn to God.
Ask
Lord God Almighty, thank You for messengers like Matt that You sent and continue to send to bless us. Thank You for the people that have come into our lives that remind us, You are the God of the Living. Help us all be filled with Your Holy Spirit and receive the blessings of Mercy and Grace that You have for us today. Jesus, help us not be drunk on the concerns of this world, but Deliver us and fill us instead with Your Glory. Sanctify us through Your Holiness. Help us forgive You, ourselves and others if necessary. Give us wisdom and understanding. Be Glorified Christ Jesus as You bless everyone who touches and receives this message from You. Amen.