How wonderful that the last image the apostles have of Jesus as he ascended to heaven are of their Lord with his hands lifted up, speaking words of blessing over them!
Is this a picture we have of Christ? That he sits in heaven, enthroned by the Father, with his hands raised and words of blessing being spoken over us, the church?
For the disciples, what they had witnessed – the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus – leads them to worship and joy, as they remain in the presence of God at the temple, praising him.
Today, may we know that Christ is speaking words of blessing over our lives and our world. And may our hearts and minds be captured with that same spirit of worship and joy that characterised the response of these disciples to Jesus.