What is Jesus Up To These Days?

 

“After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a clouds hid him from their sight.”  Acts 1:9

“He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.”  Ephesians 4:10

 For forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to many people. He was physically touched. He ate food with some. He proved His physical resurrection in many ways. Then, He ascended through the clouds into Heaven before a large group of witnesses (1 Corinthians 5:3-8). Today, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19 and 1 Peter 3:22). But His work on our behalf did not end at the cross, or at His ascension. Today, Jesus is interceding for us before the Father, advocating for us, and preparing a place for us, so that someday we can be there with Him!

 As I considered today’s verses, I began to wonder what role Jesus plays in our lives today. I wondered if He handed off the responsibility for the people on earth to the Holy Spirit when He went up to Heaven. But it turns out that He is actively doing a lot for us every day! The first thing I learned about was His intercession on our behalf. The Bible says in Hebrews 7:25 that Jesus always lives to intercede for us and then in Romans 8:34 it again says that Jesus is interceding for us at the right hand of God. I really don’t mean for this to be sacrilegious, but I see this a little like the relationships in our family. My kids might ask for something and my husband isn’t necessarily inclined to give it, but then if I intercede for them he usually gives in. I like to think I know how to ask just right. I think Jesus also knows how to ask just right. I might have asked for a new car, but Jesus intercedes for me and asks that my transportation be provided for. I might not get the new car, but I get what I need. And who knows, the debt incurred by the new car could have caused me all kinds of trouble!

 The next thing I saw is that Jesus advocates on our behalf (1 John 2:1, 1 Timothy 2:5). Satan, the accuser, acts as a prosecuting attorney in the court room of heaven with God as the ultimate judge. He is constantly bringing accusations against us, trying to tarnish our relationship with the Father. But Jesus steps in as our perfect defense attorney and points to the cross. He reminds God that every last one of our sins are paid for and we are now judged “Not Guilty” by reason of Christ’s sacrifice for us.

 Finally, I see that Jesus is working to prepare a place for us. We read in John 14:2-3:

“There are many dwelling places in my Father's house. Otherwise, I would have told you, because I am going away to make ready a place for you. And if I go and make ready a place for you, I will come again and take you to be with me, so that where I am you may be too.”

What does it look like when you prepare for company at your house? Ours has looked very different during different seasons and circumstances. Sometimes it’s, “Grandma will be here in 30 minutes! Everyone clean something quick!” When I prepared for my daughter-in-law’s bridal shower, we planned for weeks and then got together at the house the day before to blow up a million balloons for a balloon arch and hang streamers and decorations everywhere (See the picture above). 

Here’s the Thing: In seven days, Jesus created the beauty and wonder of the universe. He designed eco systems and nervous systems. He made everything to work together perfectly. Two-thousand years ago He went to prepare a place for us. I can’t begin to imagine what it will be like!