A former pastor told us about his first job, as a youth. He worked as a shoe salesman. The shoe store owner, Mr. Z, coached the novice on everything from head to toe, literally: from good eye contact to measuring squirming kids’ feet.
The 16-year-old got the ultimate test when Mr. Z asked him if he would manage the store while he took off for a few well-deserved days of vacation. Explained the pastor, “I said ‘Yes’, even though I felt ‘No’. I began to doubt myself. I had never done this before, but Mr. Z had faith that I could do this, so I did.”
Ascension Day is like this experience in the shoe store. Ascension Day is the day Jesus was taken up to Heaven after His resurrection. Jesus had mentored and prepared his disciples well before He went to be with his Father. When Mr. Zebo left, he told his novice he was only a phone call away. When Christ left, he told the disciples he was only a prayer away.”
excerpt of a sermon by Rev. Mike Ader
