We would have to be hiding under a rock for the past year or so if we do not know that the direction of gasoline, groceries, housing, and many of the other things in our lives are going up, up, up.  There are also a number of different opinions as to why inflation is out of control and why prices for our everyday needs are at all-time highs.  More and more people are now beginning to struggle to make ends meet.

        “Words from Above” tell us that there is one aspect of our lives that going up, up, up is an extremely good and positive experience.  In case anyone is puzzled by such an idea as this, I am talking about following in the footsteps of Jesus on His very last day here on this earth.  We read about it in the Book of Acts, written by a man named Luke.  Luke was trained as a physician, and as such he gave great attention to detail in his writings.

        On His last day on earth, Jesus gathered His disciples on a mountain near Jerusalem and gave them final instructions about carrying on a very important mission.  He promised them a very special power that they were going to receive in the near future, and which they actually received on the day we call The Day of Pentecost.  He instructed them to use this power of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses all over the world.  This meant that they were instructed to tell the world the story of Jesus and carry on His mission of preaching and teaching about the kingdom of God.

        After a brief discussion with the disciples about whether the kingdom would be restored to Israel, Jesus was taken up in a cloud and disappeared out of their sight as they watched Him go up, up, up.  Suddenly two men in white clothing appeared with the disciples and informed them that the same way that Jesus had been taken from them would be the same way He would one day return. 

        Before Jesus was crucified and three days later was raised from the dead, He told His disciples that He would soon be leaving them to return to His Father in heaven.  He told them that while He would be gone, one of the things He would be doing would be to prepare a place for them in heaven.  He also told them that one day he would be coming back for them to take them to be with Him in heaven.  This means that we can also go up, up, up, assuming we are totally ready to go.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.