Then he said to them, "These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true."

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later, and in his name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things. And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you.

Then he led them out of the city as far as Bethany, where he raised his hands and blessed them. As he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up into heaven. They worshipped him and went back into Jerusalem, filled with great joy, and spent all their time in the Temple giving thanks to God.

Luke 24:44-53

A cancer-stricken believer was dying. One by one he brought his children in to speak with them privately. He gave each a loving and tender blessing. Even his warnings were spoken with gentleness. He reminded them to keep the LORD in the center of their lives. Our Savior did much the same thing just before He ascended to heaven. Rather than weep as they saw Him leave, His disciples were filled with great joy, even though they understood only dimly how they would experience His blessings. But Jesus would soon send the Holy Spirit to dwell in each of them, just as He does today in us. Someday we too will depart this earth and our example and words should be the most precious blessing we can leave behind. Rejoice and be blessed!

Christ departed so that the Holy Spirit could be imparted.

Our Daily Bread – May 29, 2003