SpaceX, founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, is innovating space travel.
One of the interesting features of Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket is that it has a powerful booster that lifts the spacecraft into space, and then returns to Earth to be reused.
In the past, booster rockets were always ditched in the ocean, which Elon Musk said was like throwing away an airplane after every flight.
When SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station in November, the booster landed safely on a drone ship in the Atlantic and was returned to land for future liftoffs.
Believers in Jesus are like that booster rocket. We are reclaimed by Jesus and used again and again for his mission in this world. Yes, we have to be filled with rocket fuel, which for us is the power of the Holy Spirit. But then we can be used over and over to share Christ’s grace and love with others.
Today, the Christian church around the world celebrates the Ascension of Jesus Christ, when he lifted up visibly into heaven. He said to his disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
They watched in amazement, and then they worshipped and joyfully got to work on his mission.
For Jesus, you could say that his mission is accomplished. Not because he has blasted off into space, but because he has prepared his followers for the continuation of his work in the world—saving people from sin, death, despair and an uncertain future.
Our job is not to stand around watching for Jesus, looking up for a Savior passing overhead like the International Space Station, 250 miles above the Earth. Instead, our challenge is to live and serve by the power of the Holy Spirit and continue Jesus Christ’s work in the world as his witnesses.*
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, your mission is out of this world, promising believers more peace and joy than this world offers. And our destiny is heaven, where you are waiting for us! Bless us, in the words you spoke at your ascension, to take up your mission again and again. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Read Luke 24:44-53, the account of Jesus teaching his disciples at his ascension.