Tonight I partook in a special service about the ascension of Christ. Although it is a traditional Thursday night service, that has been celebrated by the organized church for a long time, this is my first time attending such a service. The gathering of the Body tonight reminded me of my awe; awe at the fact that we have an advocate before the all consuming fire we call God.
Often we gloss over what Christ did by ascending to the right hand of God. He placed himself there as THE intercessor, for without his assuming this role we could not come before our God with confidence. We are excited by the gifts the Spirit brings (his omnipresence resulting from Christ’s ascension); or we are pumped about our all access pass before the throne of God… missing the point entirely that it is all STILL thanks to and through JESUS CHRIST ALONE.
I am keenly aware of the grace he shows me daily by being there, at the right hand of God, to be advocate. I am tearfully thankful for how completely he fulfilled all our needs; the birth, the life teaching, the temptation with out sin, the suffering and dying, the rising again AND the ascension; HALLELUJAH what a Saviour!
Before the Throne Of God Above
“Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!”
With Christ my Savior and my God!”
Each line of Charitie Lees Smith’s song speaks VOLUMES about my heart’s cry… about where I stand in the Christian scheme of things. For more information on the author, and her hymn, link to a great resource RIGHT HERE.
TTFN
