When someone leaves for vacation, we expect a detailed list of instructions. “Here’s where the dog food is. Water the plants on Tuesday. Don’t forget to lock the back door.” We crave control and clarity when saying goodbye.
But Jesus’ departure was radically different.
The Last Image That Changed Everything
Luke 24:50-51 tells us that Jesus led His disciples to Bethany, lifted His hands, and blessed them as He ascended to heaven. No lecture. No rebuke. No instruction manual. Just blessing.
This wasn’t a casual wave goodbye. In Old Testament tradition, when the high priest lifted his hands over the people, he declared God’s favor, presence, and peace. Jesus—our eternal High Priest—was doing exactly that. But this blessing didn’t end on that hillside.
Hebrews 7:25 reminds us that Jesus “always lives to intercede for us.” This means right now, at this very moment, Christ is blessing you, praying for you, covering you with His grace.
Nail-Scarred Hands Raised in Love
Picture the scene: Jesus ascending with hands raised high—hands that still bore the scars of crucifixion. Those nail-scarred hands were the last visual image His disciples had. When they faced persecution, doubt, or fear in the years to come, they could remember that final moment: He blessed us.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we believe this is where our mission begins. We don’t serve God from pressure or fear. We serve because we are blessed to be a blessing. Our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, Serve—flows from this reality.
Study: Knowing the God Who Blesses Us
We study Scripture not to earn God’s favor but to know and love the God who has already blessed us. Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” We study to understand the depth of love that sent Jesus to the cross and raised Him to life.
When we gather to study God’s Word, we’re not checking a religious box. We’re discovering who God is and who we are in Him—beloved, blessed, and commissioned.
Be the Change as Jesus Has Changed Us
Our mission at Lakeview Christian Church is simple: Be the change as Jesus has changed us. We do this by studying to love and know God, sharing to know and love others, and serving as love in action.
Jesus didn’t leave His disciples with fear or uncertainty. He left them with blessing. And that blessing continues over every believer today. You are covered. You are loved. You are blessed—not because of what you’ve done, but because of what He has done.
So when life feels uncertain, when you’re facing challenges, when you wonder if God sees you—remember those nail-scarred hands raised in blessing. You are His beloved child, blessed beyond measure.
The question is: How will you live as someone who has been blessed?
