"The Lord be with you"

Ephesians 1:15-23



Pastor Tom Johnson, May 17, 2015

Jesus ascends into heaven. He is not going away. He with us in a different way now. He is no longer visible all the time like he had been these 40 days after his resurrection. We may not see him. But he is with us. It’s what Jesus says as he ascends in the Gospel of Matthew: “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20). “I am with you,” Jesus reassures us. Such a simple word of encouragement: “I’m with you.” “I’ve got your back.” “I am your companion.” “I will not abandon you nor forsake you.” “I will not leave you alone as orphans.” “I am with you.”

In our second reading from Ephesians, Paul unpacks the depth of that phrase “The Lord be with you.” I pray that God give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation…that the eyes of your heart be enlightened…that you know the hope to which he called you…the riches of his glorious inheritance…the immeasurable greatness of his power for us…the same power that worked in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.” In other words, Paul’s prayer is that we would know that the Lord is with us—that we would be assured that the Lord is with us—that we would experience in our daily lives that the Lord is with us.

Paul’s prayer will be answered when we become students of the Bible. Scripture will challenge us to go deeper into wisdom and truth. The Word of God will enlighten our minds to know and experience the power of the Gospel. It can be uncomfortable and humbling to realize that our understanding may be superficial and just scratching the surface. It can be a bit unsettling to ask difficult questions of ourselves.

There is a troubling question that is asked over and over again in the Psalms. The question is meant to abuse the believer. The question is an assault from the adversary. The question is “Where is your God?” Where is God when we are in trouble? Where is God when we feel lonely? Where is God when we are feeling sad? Where is God when things are going our way? Where is God when we are enjoying the company of family and friends? Where is this Jesus who ascended into heaven? Where is your God? How do I know that the Lord is with me? What assurance do I have that I am growing in a spirit of wisdom? How do I know that I am on the path that will lead to greater hope and faith?

Thankfully, Paul’s prayer just happens to be what God also wants us to experience. Paul is praying for exactly what Jesus promises in his ascension: “You will be my witnesses.” “You will experience my presence.” Did you notice the language of Paul’s prayer? It is God who gives a spirit of wisdom and revelation. It is the Holy Spirit and Scripture that enlightens our hearts. It is the Lord who broadens and deepens our spiritual lives. This is the power, Paul tells us—this is the power which was at work in God’s Son when he raised him from the dead. This is the power at work in our lives. This is the power which raised Jesus to the right hand of the Father…“…in the heavenly places far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named.” All things have been placed under the reign of the King of kings and Lord of lords—most especially us, the church, “which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” In other words, we should be as bold as Paul to pray for what God has promised: “God, you promised to be with me and your people. Give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Enlighten our hearts by your Word and Spirit. Broaden and deepen my walk with you.”

The ascension is about God raising Jesus to his rightful place to lovingly lead and rule his Kingdom. It seems counterintuitive but Jesus is more present now among us than when the disciples saw him, heard his voice, and even touched him. Are you confused or perplexed by the simple and profound truth of Jesus? The Lord is with you. God is giving you a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Do your spiritual eyes feel blinded by the light of the Gospel? The Lord is with you. He is enlightening the eyes of your heart. Do you feel humbled, stretched, or blown away by the truth of Scripture? The Lord is with you. These are growing pains. This is the power of the resurrection and ascension at work in your life.

The Lord be with you—not may be with you—not will be with you—but be with you. It is a prayer. It is a promise. It is a bold call to God to do what he already wants to do—what he has already has done—and is doing. The Lord be with you as we pray together and for one another. The Lord be with you as we listen to his Word and the good news of the Gospel. The Lord be with you as we extend a hand to each other and a smile—when we give one another the assurance of our friendship and common bond in the Lord. The Lord be with you as he comes to us in his Body and his Blood. The Lord be with you as he sends us out into the world with his blessing. The Lord be with you as he raises you up just as he raised up his own Son.