The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, May 21, 2023 — Seventh Sunday of Easter — Ascension Sunday

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers
Sunday, May 21, 2023
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Ascension Sunday
Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35;

1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Opening Statement

With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we put our faith in Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, and whose body is the church. Proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in the name of Christ.

Ascension

Opening Prayer

Gracious Lord, this morning we come to you with so many things on our hearts. Keep our hearts and our minds open to your words of healing and of hope. Give us spirits of courage for all the times ahead. We ask your blessing on all those this day who are afflicted with illness and debilitating diseases, for those who mourn, for those who feel lost and alienated from family and from friends. Be with these dear people. Help them to feel your comforting and restoring presence. Give to us also, Lord, a spirit of peace and joy that we might live your love through our attitudes and actions. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

The Collect
(from the Book of Common Prayers)

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Call to Confession

Patient God, it hasn’t been easy for us to be disciples or witnesses to your love. We get caught in traps of anger, impatience and fear. Our words and spirits become cynical and jaded. Yet, at all times, you are with us, guiding and guarding us. On this day in which we celebrate the ascension of Jesus into heaven, we are reminded that we are not being left without guidance. The promise of the Spirit is given and in that promise we have hope and courage to become true disciples. Forgive us when we forget that! Forgive us when we act as though you didn’t care about us or about this world. We are called to be those who live the faith of hope and reconciliation, of courage and understanding. Lift us up when we have fallen, guide our hearts when we speak, for it is in the name of our risen Savior Jesus that we ask these things. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon

Although you have not stood on the mountaintop to see his ascension to God, yet believe in the love and power of Christ who taught you how to be faithful and joyful disciples. Rejoice, and believe in him who came that you may have abundant life.

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers before His arrest and crucifixion, and Paul also made frequent appeals so that believers “may be one” (John 17:11, 22). The joyful unity of Christians is a powerful testimony to the world that the gospel of love we preach is real, unique, powerful, and welcoming to whomever will believe in the Lord.

Today’s Lectionary Readings:

First Reading

Acts 1:6-14
Jesus’ companions at prayer

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
Sing to God
Exsurgat Deus

Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; *
  let those who hate him flee before him.

Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; *
  as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at
    the presence of God.

But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; *
  let them also be merry and joyful.

Sing to God, sing praises to his Name;
    exalt him who rides upon the heavens; *
  YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!

Father of orphans, defender of widows, *
  God in his holy habitation!

God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners
    into freedom; *
  but the rebels shall live in dry places.

O God, when you went forth before your people, *
  when you marched through the wilderness,

The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain,
    at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, *
  at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; *
  you refreshed the land when it was weary.

Your people found their home in it; *
  in your goodness, O God, you have made provision
    for the poor.

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; *
  sing praises to the Lord.

He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; *
  he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.

Ascribe power to God; *
  his majesty is over Israel;
    his strength is in the skies.

How wonderful is God in his holy places! *
  the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people!
    Blessed be God!

O God, as You scattered the enemies of Your people in the past, so we ask You to scatter Your enemies today and give victory to Your people. Protect and defend all who trust in You, even as we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Second Reading
From the Epistles

1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
God sustains those who suffer

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Gospel Acclamation
(John 14:18)

Alleluia. [Jesus said] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Alleluia.

Today’s Gospel Reading

John 17:1-11
Christ’s prayer for his disciples

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord's Prayer - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

Holy Communion
A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Benediction

Go forth in hope. Go forth with the knowledge of God’s presence with you. Go to serve God by taking care of each other and God’s world. Go now in peace! Amen.

Our Part After Easter

Now that Easter has passed, our part in the work of Easter begins. Jesus gave us the perfect example of how we are to live our lives. Go into the world, share the good news, and reflect Jesus to those in need.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, May 21, 2023
Seventh Sunday of Easter — Ascension Sunday
Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11
With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we put our faith in Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, and whose body is the church. Proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins in the name of Christ.

“The Ascension of Jesus” The Gospel Message for Sunday, May 21, 2023 — Ascension Sunday

Our message comes to us today from the 1st chapter of the book of Acts, beginning with the 6th verse, “Jesus’ companions at prayer.”

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:6-14)

“The Ascension of Jesus”

Before the days of modern navigational aids, a traveler made the Atlantic crossing in a boat equipped with two compasses. One was fixed to the deck where the man at the helm could see it. The other compass was fastened up on one of the masts, and often a sailor would be seen climbing up to inspect it.

A passenger asked the captain, “Why do you have two compasses?”

“This is an iron vessel,” replied the captain, “and the compass on the deck is often affected by its surroundings. Such is not the case with the compass at the masthead; that one is above the influence. We steer by the compass above. (Tan, P.L. “Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations”, 1924)

As Christians, where is our compass? Is it on the earth, or is it in things above? Today, I’d like to look at the story of the ascension and examine both what it means in the ministry of Jesus, as well as how it affects us today. What was the ascension, and why should we spend time looking up?

In the Old Testament, Jesus was the messiah predicted long ago. The prophecies of old talked about a coming messiah. Throughout the scriptures that our Jewish fathers followed, the words spoke of a savior who would rescue men from sin and lead the world to redemption.

When Jesus finally came on the scene, it was with much fanfare: a star leading the way for wise men and angels rejoicing in the birth of the new king. We make a big deal out of Christmas with trees, colorful lights, beautiful displays in stores, concerts in our schools, Christmas markets, and even carolers. We celebrate the gifts the wise men brought to the messiah when we exchange gifts with family and friends. We celebrate Christmas with a bang, and it’s a very big deal. We remember the coming of our Lord into this world. We don’t forget that Jesus came into the world.

Similarly, leading up to Easter, we remember the week prior with services during the season of Lent. We get palm leaves to celebrate Palm Sunday and the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Some choose not to eat meat on Fridays during this remembrance period. During Holy Week, we remember the first communion that Jesus celebrated with his disciples and the events that eventually led to the cross and His death. The celebration really begins with Easter as we celebrate His resurrection and the defeat of death! We throw special celebrations with sunrise services, often accompanied by pancake breakfasts or special Sunday brunches set-up, especially for the day. We decorate crosses with flowers, put on our new, best clothes for the day, and make a special day of the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. We don’t forget that Jesus died and rose again.

From the prophecies of a coming savior to the birth of our Lord to the death and resurrection, we celebrate these events as we should, but we don’t give the same attention to the ascension of our Lord. For 40 days, Jesus walked the earth after His resurrection. For 40 days, He continued to meet with and witness to many. When His final earthly message was delivered, He rose up into a cloud with a few disciples as witnesses. I’d like to look at the significance of that event and see what it tells us of the things to come.

Think about the events that led up to this passage of Acts that you read a moment ago. Jesus has suffered so many pains and heartaches that we can scarcely understand the physical and emotional suffering. He bore the punishment of sinners on His shoulders, even though He Himself was a spotless lamb. He willingly suffered on our behalf.

Three days later, He rose from the dead and walked among men. He appeared to His disciples and allowed Thomas to touch the wounds. He even ate with them to show that He had a physical body.

But, some have contended that Jesus’ rising from the dead was only in the imagination of a few delusional men and women. Others have gone on to say that even His death on the cross never happened. How much credence do these stories have? Is it possible that Jesus lived a different life as the book The DaVinci Code would have us believe? If so, the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the ascension would all be fiction. But God’s plans are not so easily dismissed. Jesus did die. Jesus did rise from the dead, and Jesus did ascend to Heaven.

God added credence to the truth that Jesus was truly raised by allowing 40 days on earth to walk, talk, and reach out.

He did these things to show that it was not a dream. He did these things to give credit to the stories that would follow. He talked with his disciples during this period and gave them directions on what to do next. In Matthew 28, Jesus gave a direct command to His disciples. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

At this point, the disciples had seen numerous miracles. Jesus had healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, raised the dead, and even risen from the dead! For 40 days, he continued his ministry with the disciples, preparing them for the things to come. He used this time to build them up and send them on their way.

But Jesus had no intention of continuing this phase of his ministry forever. When the time was right, He chose to return to the Heavenly realm and allow the disciples to enter into their own ministry. The ascension ended Jesus’ ministry on earth and began the phase of the Apostles.

But, it was more than a dividing line. It also demonstrated God’s power. Jesus defeated death, then defeated gravity. Jesus showed that He was able to go beyond the normal rules that applied to men and showed God’s power. The ascension demonstrated that Jesus is still alive.

Before He took this journey, Jesus explained what He was going to do. In John 14, Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:2-4) Jesus is going to prepare a place for us, and we are to join him.

Keep this text in mind as we continue, but let’s go back to our message in Acts for a moment. The words “in the same way” show that Jesus will come again. Just like his first coming was a physical appearance with a visible body, so again, the next coming will also be a physical appearance with a visible body. Jesus came back from the grave not just as a vision in the minds of believers but in the physical appearances to over 500 people. Acts chapter 2 attests that many people saw our Lord and not just a few wishful thinking. When Luke wrote of this appearance, there were still many walking around the earth who could attest to the fact that this took place. This was not the wild and lost imagination of a select few wishful thinkers. This was God’s unbelievable power shown in the messiah’s resurrection.

The ascension was another of these public displays. It was another way to confirm that this was not an ordinary man that suffered the punishment of Roman rule. It was a message that God was there with His chosen one. It was a message that His ministry, His words, and His message were all unique and different.

Rather than marking that Jesus’ ministry was other than ordinary, He had a word that we need to pay attention to today. Retake a look at Acts 1, verse 11. Two men robed in white—probably Angels sent to deliver this message—said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11).

Jesus’ resurrection was indeed in body and not just in spirit. He ate with the disciples. He allowed Thomas to touch his wounds and his side. He walked, talked, breathed, and interacted with those around Him. The disciples had no idea that He was going to leave them. They were enjoying the company, companionship, and the leadership of their previously dead Rabbi. They wanted to continue to follow Him and gain the insight that only He could provide. They wanted to continue with what they had enjoyed in the past. But, this was not to be. Jesus left the world into a cloud and left miraculously, just as his resurrection was miraculous.

But that’s not the end of the story. The Angels who spoke gave us a promise that Jesus would again come. His coming would not be in a vision or a dream but would be a physical appearance. He will come back in another unexpected way, just as he left in an unexpected way. As he ascended to on high, He will one day return.

Just as the disciples didn’t know that Jesus was going to leave them, we don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t know when Jesus will come again to take His followers to the place He has prepared. The disciples were prepared by Jesus Himself to begin their ministry as the Apostles. We don’t have the physical Jesus to prepare ourselves, but we continue to have His words of wisdom and the promise that He will always be there for us in the future. We must be ready when He chooses to come back.

I’d like to close with a story that I think best sums up our situation today.

A young lady busied herself, getting ready for a blind date. He had promised dinner at an exclusive downtown restaurant with live music and dancing. She wanted to make a good first impression; she had taken the day off work. She cleaned her apartment; she went out that afternoon to have her hair done and get a manicure. When she got home, she put on her best dress and was ready for his arrival. The time came and went, but he did not knock.

After waiting over an hour, she realized that she had been stood up. She took off her dress, let down her hair, put on her pajamas, gathered all her favorite junk food, and plopped down to watch TV with her dog. Sometime later, there was a knock at the door; it was her date.

He looked at her, surprised, and said, “What! I gave you two extra hours, and you’re still not ready to go?”

Jesus has given us a few hours more than we expected, but he is coming. Does your life reveal that you are ready for his return, or is your profession not matched by your practice?

The waiting began many years ago with the ascension of Jesus into the Heavenly Kingdom. He left because his earthly ministry was over. He had another phase of service to prepare a place for our arrival. As believers, our Heavenly home is waiting for us just as we wait for our savior.

Just as the woman in our story waited for her date, we, too, wait for the bride-groom of heaven. However, it’s up to us to be prepared, for He will arrive when we least expect it.

Let us pray: Father God, forgive us for not always being ready for your return for your Church. Lord, help us to live our lives like we really believe that you are coming back for us. God, we don’t want to be caught out of place when you come. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ

Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Sermon contributed by Scott Jensen.
The Ascension is an important part of the ministry of Jesus. He came to save our sins, and He will come again when we least expect it. Be ready!

The Morning Prayer for Sunday, May 21, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Sunday, May 21, 2023

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17, NIV

Lord our God, you have revealed your righteousness to us in the gospel, your righteousness that comes to us through faith and continues in faith. Grant that we may understand your righteousness and live by it even in a crooked generation. Then to our joy the gospel will bear fruit. Protect us in the midst of temptation and conflicting opinions so that we are raised above them and remain free, with our thoughts on you and your true and loving righteousness. Your righteousness gives us hope for the many, many people who still need help to realize that their lives are not of passing value but of eternal worth. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Sunday, May 21, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, May 21, 2023

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers before His arrest and crucifixion, and Paul also made frequent appeals so that believers “may be one” (John 17:11, 22). The joyful unity of Christians is a powerful testimony to the world that the gospel of love we preach is real, unique, powerful, and welcoming to whomever will believe in the Lord.

Read all of 1st Corinthians Chapter 1

Listen to 1st Corinthians Chapter 1

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.