A new phase/realm of life: Meditation for Sunday after ascension

Introduction

The risen Lord has ascended to heavens, where He sits at the right hand of God, interceding for us. So, now, as we mark the Lord’s physical departure in the Ascension, we know that He has not left us on our own.

By reason of His power and conquest, we can now operate in a new realm of life. We may be passing through problems and difficulties, but everything will turn around for our good, because He has gone to the throne. No matter how ugly the situation may be, we are hopeful of better tomorrow.

As Paul prayed, the eyes of our understanding need to be enlightened, that we may know:

What is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (Eph. 1:18-21).

The New Realm Of Life

This new realm of life entails a transformation from the ugly and helpless predicaments that man often finds himself to a better condition of life, including good health, financial wellbeing, general breakthrough, promotion and translation to a new realm of life.

Salvation, which is the master theme of the Christian gospel, expresses the idea of rescue from jeopardy and misery into a state of safety. Israel’s concept of salvation was rooted in God’s deliverance from the life of bondage and slavery in Egypt to life of freedom and plenty in the Promised Land.

Likewise, Christian concept of salvation is rooted in the Lord Jesus’ deliverance from the life of bondage and slavery under sin, the Devil and the world to entirely new life in the Kingdom.

“…If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2Cor. 5:17). To embrace Christ is to embrace new life. It is to turn a new page and in all ramifications, to begin a new phase of life.

No matter how dark things look now, God can turn them around and make all things new for those who know and trust Him.
Scripture For The Day

The First (Old Testament) Lesson for the day (Jer. 31:1-13) conveys the words of God to the people of God, promising new life to them. God’s covenant with them will be renewed and they will find favour and rest. The love of God will become evident in their lives.

God will restore, rebuild and refresh them and they will delight in praising and worshipping Him. Everything is, indeed, turning around in their favour and for their good. The Lord is giving them a new life!

Ron Kenoly captured this new realm of life in his song:

He turned my mourning

Into dancing again

He’s lifted my sorrows

I can’t stay silent!

I must sing for His joy has come…

Conclusion

The Lord is empowered to draw His people out of lifeless and hopeless situations and grant them another lives. No situation is irredeemable. The darker it becomes, the nearer it is to dawn. Our hope is in the Lord, Who has overcome the old order and made all things new. Keep “looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). By the mercies of God, it shall be well.

Ven. Dr Princewill O. Ireoba is the Rector,
Ibru International Ecumenical Centre,
Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org