A few years ago on ascension day Blind Light opened, I personally couldn't help but think that it was a piece focused on ascension. Members of the public could enter the cloud whilst outside on the skyline of london were figures seemingly waiting.
I love the imagery of ascension day, both elijahs and Jesus' ascension were marked with something symbolising the presence of God - either fire or clouds. Both take place in threshold places, one just over the jordan (outside of the 'promised' land) and the other on the mount of olives, just outside the city of Jerusalem. Mountains and bodies of water are often symbolic of liminal places; places where God's presence can be discerned.
I also like the connection between the disciple of Elijah and the disciples of Jesus. Elisha was unsure of his ability, he didn't want his master to leave, he was concerned that he would not be able to follow his master. The disciples of Jesus must have also felt like this - We don't want him to leave, we can't follow him, we're not gifted enough. But as with Elisha, God provides.
In many ways I wonder if the experience of ascension is the perpetual experience of disciples. Not sure what the future will hold, not sure whether we'll be able to follow on from that which came previously. However, my concern is that we no longer metaphorically position ourselves in threshold places, but rather chose the place of stability. We remain secure inside the land or city, without the instability of the threshold.
I love the imagery of ascension day, both elijahs and Jesus' ascension were marked with something symbolising the presence of God - either fire or clouds. Both take place in threshold places, one just over the jordan (outside of the 'promised' land) and the other on the mount of olives, just outside the city of Jerusalem. Mountains and bodies of water are often symbolic of liminal places; places where God's presence can be discerned.
I also like the connection between the disciple of Elijah and the disciples of Jesus. Elisha was unsure of his ability, he didn't want his master to leave, he was concerned that he would not be able to follow his master. The disciples of Jesus must have also felt like this - We don't want him to leave, we can't follow him, we're not gifted enough. But as with Elisha, God provides.
In many ways I wonder if the experience of ascension is the perpetual experience of disciples. Not sure what the future will hold, not sure whether we'll be able to follow on from that which came previously. However, my concern is that we no longer metaphorically position ourselves in threshold places, but rather chose the place of stability. We remain secure inside the land or city, without the instability of the threshold.
preached and lead worship around ascension day yesterday. like you, for me it is about facing the unknowing, and the courage to do so.
Posted by: steve | May 13, 2010 at 08:25 AM