You can't have Pentecost until Jesus goes away...but what are we to make of this strange, shiny story about Christ being bodily taken up into heaven? On its face, it doesn't seem like there is much for us as 21st century Christians. But there is a tremendously practical level to this tale, where Jesus hands over the mission...and the authority...and the power...to his followers. Daunting, and exciting, and still a mystery as we work to do the work even today.
