Why do things go the way they do in your life? We often think that our life is just a matter of fate or luck. Too often, we think of our own weakness and helplessness and we get discouraged and even despair.

We need to think about what Jesus did after he rose from the dead. He did not visibly stay on this earth. He did not just vanish. The disciples saw him go somewhere. They saw him ascend into heaven. And we are told that there Jesus governs everything for the good of those who love him.

The one who is in charge of all things has all power. And with that power he watches and rules over us. And that gives us hope.

Being someone who loves Jesus may not improve your life financially. It may even cause trouble. We see Christians persecuted around the world. Even without persecution, what do we have to look forward to - a temporary life that is quickly coming toward the end, then the grave and the loss of everything dear to us.

But the fact that Jesus is in heaven assures you as a believer of something better. It assures you of a place in heaven. Some people have no hope beyond this life at all. They think of death as the end. They may have a vague hope that there is another life, but don’t know what it is and certainly don’t know how to get there. All they are sure about is that they are going to die.

But Jesus being in heaven gives us both hope and a promise. Christ has ascended into heaven. Believers will too. That is why the disciples of Jesus were not worried about what they were going to get out of life. Money and personal comfort meant little to them. It didn’t bother them if they didn’t have these things. They were looking forward to life with God forever. That gave them joy. And they expressed their joy by worshipping God.

No doubt one of the reasons some of us do not worship is that what Jesus did for us to be in heaven means so little to us. Our treasures are on earth and religion is only something minor. So worship becomes a burden. But if Jesus being in heaven meant as much to us as it did to his disciples, it would be different.

We would not attach so much value to the things of this world. We wouldn’t be so concerned about what happened to us in this life. We would be much more concerned about eternal life.

The remedy for our apathy and indifference is not to make more rules and force ourselves. It lies in recognizing the hope and promise that ascension of Jesus into heaven gives to us.

The one who loved us and saved us now rules in heaven. Where he is, we will be. If we understand that, it can’t help but inspire us. And fill us with lasting joy.

(Pastor Marc Frey is the pastor at Peace of Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool (WELS) New Carlisle, OH www.peaceofoursavior.net)