the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And It came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. Luke 24:50-51.
For the last time the Son of man walked on earth with His disciples, and took the road leading to Bethany which was so dear to Him. There, it was destined, He should leave this earth, that He might, although invisible, be very close to them. For the last time He lifted His holy, pierced hands over the disciples to bless them. Fortunate disciples, who saw with your own eyes these hands lifted in benediction over you. What a benediction it must have been! But did it concern you only and not also the believers through the coming centuries, as that other prayer in John 17:20? Yes, it surely concerned them also. Therefore I, too, place myself without hesitation among Thy disciples, O Lord, as if I saw Thee lift Thy pierced hands over me: as if Thou didst even to-day stand before my eyes and pour out Thy heavenly blessings upon me and all who love Thy name and trust in Thee and in Thy grace. I rest assured that Thou dost bless whenever a soul has a living faith in Thee just as well now as on the occasion when Thy disciples saw Thee; for to bless is Thy pleasure, and Thou art sent us by the Father in order to bless us (Acts 3:26). With a benediction didst Thou ascend from the earth up to heaven, and with a benediction Thou lookest ever down as often as we trustfully, prayerfully, and longingly look up to Thee.
Up to heaven ascending
Our dear Lord has gone;
Yet His little children
Leaves He not alone.
Spirit of adoption!
Make us overflow
With Thy sevenfold blessing.
And in grace to grow.
