Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

In today’s message, I reflected on how Jesus prayed before doing anything else—before the cross, the resurrection, or the ascension. In His “high priestly prayer” from John’s Gospel, He intercedes for us, asking that we be one—not just united in name, but perfectly one through His death and resurrection. He prays that we be united with Him and the Father, a oneness made possible through His Word, His glory, and the gift of the Lord’s Supper. Finally, He prays that the world would come to know God’s love through us. This love isn’t just kindness—it’s sacrificial, the kind that lays down its life for others. Jesus did that for us, and now sends us to do the same, so others might come to know Him and be brought into this perfect unity. That’s His prayer for us—and our own: “Come, Lord Jesus. Make us one. Perfectly one. Tetelestai one.”

In this episode, I reflect on transitions—those moments when one chapter ends and another begins. Whether it’s graduating, getting married, or even facing death, these times can bring both fear and anticipation. The Ascension of Jesus is one of those moments: His earthly ministry ends, but something greater begins. He doesn’t leave us; He ascends to continue His work through His Church, through us. Jesus is still present—bodily and spiritually—guiding us, blessing us, and working through our hands and voices. So, whatever change you’re facing, you’re not alone. Christ is ascended—and that means He’s still at work for you, right now, and forever.

I recently read a book called President Hamilton, a fascinating “what if” imagining Alexander Hamilton surviving his duel with Aaron Burr and becoming president. It was an optimistic take on how history might have changed—but it got me thinking about the “what if” game we all play in our own lives. What if I had made different choices? Would things be better? But dwelling on those questions rarely brings peace. Instead, it often leads to regret and discontent. Jesus knew we’d struggle with this. That’s why He told His disciples, “Take heart; I have overcome the world.” Not just the world around us, but the doubts and regrets within us. The good news is this: our past is forgiven, our future is secure, and even now, Jesus is at work—redeeming, restoring, and bringing good out of our mess. So rather than asking “what if,” we can rest in the truth: Christ is risen, and He has truly overcome the world.

This week, I reflected on Jesus’ words: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” The disciples were overwhelmed, and Jesus knew they weren’t ready to understand everything. But He promised the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth—not new teachings, but the same truth He had already spoken. That’s important today, too. The Spirit doesn’t give us “new revelations” that contradict Scripture. Instead, He reminds us of what Jesus has already said—like He did for Peter in Acts, or John in Revelation, showing the fulfillment of God’s promises. And those promises are powerful: the Lamb wins. Christ is risen. A new creation is coming—not just new once, but always new. Even in a world full of sorrow, compromise, and persecution, we hold to the joy that’s coming, the joy that’s already ours in Jesus.

In Chapel this week, I told the kids that if I were Thomas, I probably wouldn’t have believed either. Seeing your friend die and then hearing He’s alive again? That’s hard to accept. But Jesus did say He’d rise. He even raised others from the dead. Still, when it’s you who dies—that feels final. But here’s the thing: death wasn’t part of God’s original plan. Jesus came to fix that, to take away sin—and with it, death. That’s what Easter is about. When Jesus appeared to His disciples, the first thing He said was, “Peace be with you.” Not judgment. Not disappointment. Peace. Forgiveness. Then He showed His wounds. That order matters. Forgiveness first. Then resurrection. And now, we’re sent to bring that same peace to others. In a world that’s anything but okay, Jesus makes everything right.