Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

 

Sammy: Good morning everyone! 

 

Pastor: Today is a special day, Sammy.

 

Sammy: Yes it is. We have church today!

 

Pastor: Yes, Sammy. And today at church it is Ascension Sunday.

 

Sammy: What does that mean?

 

Pastor: Well today we read a passage from the Gospel of Luke about Jesus ascending into Heaven.

 

Sammy: Ascending. Ascending. Boys and girls, can you try that word with me? Ascending. Ascending. What does ascending mean? 

 

Pastor: Ascending means that Jesus went up into Heaven while the disciples were looking at him.

 

Sammy: Oh I think I get it! Jesus was standing on the ground and then he started floating in the air and then he went into Heaven.

 

Pastor: That’s right, Sammy.

 

Sammy: That’s kind of like this one time I was standing on a sidewalk with a balloon.

 

Pastor: What does a balloon have to do with Jesus?

Sammy: Hang on, Pastor. I am getting to that part. So I was standing on a sidewalk with a red balloon, and then all of a sudden, I let the balloon go.

 

Pastor: Boys and girls, what do you think happened to Sammy’s red balloon?

 

[Allow time for responses]

 

Pastor: These are good answers.

 

Sammy: My balloon floated up and up and then I couldn’t see it anymore. I don’t know where it went, but it went up really far.

 

Pastor: Jesus ascended just like your balloon, Sammy, but Jesus went to Heaven. Most balloons that float away from us pop and the pieces come back down. Or they get stuck somewhere.

 

Sammy: I miss my red balloon. Do you think the disciples missed Jesus?

 

Pastor: I think they missed him in a way, but you know, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with the disciples. And Jesus promised to always be with them. He was with the disciples, and he is here with us today.

 

Sammy: I love that Jesus is always with us.

 

Pastor: Me too. Let’s pray. Boys and girls, will you please fold your hands and bow your heads with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as a tiny baby. Thank you for choosing to die on the cross for our sins. Thank you for showing us your glory in beating death, rising again, and ascending to Heaven. Amen.

 

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

 

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

 

“One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” (Mark 12:28)

We love to quantify and make an economy of things.  Ask me what is the most important thing and I will focus upon that.  The Lord looks at our heart, and what may be the most important thing for us in this moment may not be of significance in another.  All the commandments are important.  What is most important is that we live by faith, trusting that the Lord will lead us in the way of salvation.

Lord God, how I love to quantify.  How much?  How many?  Tell me what is important so that I can ignore what is not.  You have created us to live life.  You have called for us to learn how to be faithful.  Lead me, Lord, so that I do not just quantify things, but live in the relationships You have established around me.  Guide me into Your grace and goodness so that I humbly see that what You give me in this moment is the most important thing.

Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I do not constantly question You, but hear and heed Your word.  Yes, some things are more important than others in the moment.  By the power of Your Holy Spirit, show me the most important thing which is before me in each moment.  Lead me to learn from You how to live in the righteousness You give.  Keep me from arguing and help me to spend that energy learning how to be faithful.  Amen.