"When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them."
- Luke 24:50

On this day the LORD, having assembled His disciples for the last time, led them out to the Mount of Olivet(Olives), until they were over against, in plain view of Bethany. The place of the ascension was probably near the summit of the mount, on the southeastern slope. Here, for the last itme in visible form, the LORD lifted up His hands over His disciples to bless them.

"He lifted up His hands and blessed them." What a wonderful promise that was. In the days ahead the disciples would face many challenges. The devil would do everything he could to destroy their faith. He would issue challenges, stir up persecutin, create doubt, and foster dissension in the church. When the disciples experienced these difficulties, they could think back to when Jesus stood in front of them with outstretched arms, giving them His blessing. James had this event in mind when he wrote,"Every good and pefect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Christian friends, You and I can make the same confession. We can bodly sing, "On Christ's ascension I now build the hope of my ascension. This hope alone has always stilled all doubt and apprehension.

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus
Sing His mercy and His grace
In the mansions bright and blessed
He'll prepare for us a place.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - The power that compels comes from the Spirit that indwells.