By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

It is quiet in the room where the believers have gathered behind locked doors. The disciples are fearful and concerned about their futures. Will they also be prosecuted because they were seen with Jesus? Will they be killed for their faith? Although no one mentions it, they are all thinking about Jesus’ words before his ascension: “I tell you the truth. It is better for you that I go away. If I do not go, the Helper will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7). Who is this Holy Spirit, the Helper, He referred to?

Suddenly a roar like a whirlwind filled the room and as fire appeared above the heads of the believers, their fear was replaced with faith and peace. The Holy Spirit filled them and they suddenly had self-confidence to walk out the door sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with a broken world – even if it meant they were killed for this.

Today, we celebrate Jesus' Ascension and in the light of this, I want to share three reasons why Jesus went away:

REASON 1: JESUS IS PREPARING OUR PLACE IN HEAVEN

In John 14:2-3, Jesus says: “There are many rooms in My Father’s house. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going away to make a place for you. After I go and make a place for you, I will come back and take you with Me. Then you may be where I am.”

REASON 2: JESUS PRAYS AND PLEADS FOR US WITH THE FATHER

In Romans 8:34 we read: “It was Christ Jesus who died. He was raised from the dead. He is on the right side of God praying to Him for us.” Jesus experienced the same emotions that we do when He was on the earth. Therefore, when we do not know what or how to pray for concerning a challenge, we can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us, knowing that He is also pleading with the Father on our behalves.

REASON 3: JESUS GAVE US THE HOLY SPIRIT SO WE CAN DEMONSTRATE OUR FATHER’S LOVE AND POWER TO THE WORLD

In John 14:12-13 Jesus said: “For sure, I tell you, whoever puts his trust in Me can do the things I am doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so the shining-greatness of the Father may be seen in the Son." Because we have the Holy Spirit of God we can indeed show his power and love to a broken world. Are you obedient when He calls you?

Let us never forget why God sent his Son to die for us. And let us stay thankful for Jesus who left in order to prepare a place for us; to plead on our behalves, and let’s stay obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit in order to demonstrate God’s love and power to a broken world. God bless.

Father God, thank You for sacrificing Your Son for us. Jesus, thank You that You died for us and still today intercede for us with the Father. Father, help us to live every day so that we demonstrate our love for you. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.