Here is today’s Bible Trundle—a needed reminder that our salvation rests not on our grip on God, but on His unbreakable hold on us.
The thoughts and Scripture references were drawn from today’s sermon by Pastor Barry Jeffries at Crestwood Baptist Church, for which I am deeply grateful. I have done my best to capture what I heard and felt, along with some thoughts on The Everyday Kingdom ministry, founded by my good friends Tom Trezise and his wife, Katherine Hamilton Trezise, whom we have known since my law school days.
As a plus, Tom has written an excellent book (that my Diane and I have both read and recommend) entitled “Former Things Forgotten” available at Amazon Books.
If I have misunderstood or inadequately summarized any part of Pastor Barry’s faithful preaching, the fault is mine alone. It was a good question, an even better sermon, and I can only hope this Trundle reflects a portion of its truth and encouragement.
Jesus at Work: His Heavenly Ministry and Your Everyday Hope
Word Count: 756 | Est. Reading Time: 4 minutes
“After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight…”
—Acts 1:9–11 (CSB)
When the disciples watched Jesus rise into the clouds, they stood still, caught between wonder and uncertainty. For three years, they had walked dusty roads with Him, witnessed miracles, and listened to the heartbeat of heaven in His words. And now—He was gone from their sight.
It would be easy to think He disappeared into a distant heaven, leaving the Apostles to figure out life on their own.
But the truth is far greater: Jesus ascended not to retreat from us, but to continue His work for us.
Today, Christ’s heavenly ministry is alive and active. He has not left us alone. He is moving, sending, sustaining, and reigning—even when we cannot see it.
And He is doing it all for you.
His ministry now shines in three great areas: He sends, He intercedes, and He reigns.
1. He Sends: The Spirit and the Angels
Before His ascent, Jesus made a promise:
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26 CSB)
At Pentecost, that promise exploded into reality.
The Holy Spirit was sent to dwell among us—not as a distant force, but as a present Helper. He teaches, comforts, and empowers the Church to proclaim the Gospel boldly.
“When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me.” (John 15:26)
And Jesus doesn’t stop with the Spirit. He also dispatches His angels:
“Bless the Lord, all his angels of great strength, who do his word, obedient to his command.” (Psalm 103:20)
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
Everyday, often unseen, the servants of heaven walk among us. In your moments of weariness, in dangers you never even noticed, their hands have steadied your steps.
We don’t pray to angels—but we can pray for God to send them. We can ask the King to dispatch His messengers over those we love, just as He has done for ages past.
2. He Ministers: Jesus Prays for You
The Lamb who died for you did not finish His work at the cross. He carries it forward at the right hand of the Father.
“Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.” (Romans 8:34)
Right now, Jesus prays for your faith (Luke 22:31–32). He intercedes with a compassion no earthly friend could match (Hebrews 7:25).
When you are weak, when your prayers feel thin and broken, He is praying you through it all.
Your salvation does not depend on your grip on God—it rests on His unbreakable hold on you.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate you from His love.
3. He Reigns: King of Kings
The ministry of Jesus is not only about sending and sustaining.
It is about reigning.
“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18)
He is seated at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20–23), not idly watching but actively ruling over history, over nations, and over your life.
Peter declares it boldly:
“Now that he has gone into heaven, he is at the right hand of God with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.” (1 Peter 3:22)
There is not a square inch in the whole domain of human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry out, “Mine!” (A paraphrase inspired by Abraham Kuyper.)
The Lamb with scars on His hands holds the scepter of the universe.
And He holds you, too.
4. Everyday Kingdom: His Ministry in Your Life
When he was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable; no one will say, “See here!” or “There!” For you see, the kingdom of God is in your ; midst.’
We live between the already and the not yet.
The Holy Spirit walks beside us. Angels minister in unseen ways. Christ Himself prays over us and rules over every headline, every heartbreak, every hidden prayer.
The same Jesus who calmed the storm, who healed the broken, who wept at the tomb, now reigns on high. And He is bringing you safely home.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (CSB):
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