6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Acts 1:6-11
This year Ascension Day falls on Thursday May 9. It is an important day that unfortunately is largely overlooked on the church calendar.
Overlooking this day is an unfortunate thing, because it calls to mind the fact that Jesus, as the risen Lord, now rules and reigns over all things. Ephesians 1:20b-23 says that God the Father “seated [Jesus] at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
Why is recalling Jesus’ ascension and the fact that He now rules and reigns over all things important? Because we don’t see it! Because we are tempted to think the opposite! Because our experiences and world suggest it’s not true!
And because of this, we lose hope. We become defensive at best and reclusive and silent at worst. We lose sight of our standing and purpose as God’s people.
So, we need to recall Jesus’ ascension. We need to celebrate Jesus’ ascension – not as another thing to do – but as another thing to hold onto. For Jesus not only died. He not only rose from the dead. Jesus has ascended where He rules and reigns over all things and He does it for the benefit of His people – the church – you and me.
So, let’s live life on the offensive – not just on the defensive. Yes, let’s defend life at all stages, God’s good design of marriage, and His purpose for the family. But let us also live out our faith with trusting confidence. Knowing that our ascended Lord “has our back”. Knowing that He sees what we do for Him and in Him. Let us step out in faith as He leads. Let us love those who are hard to love. Let us forgive the sins which are hard to forgive. May we be the people of God that He calls us to be. May we shine our light in a darkened world that is dying to know Christ. Doing such things is not easy to do.
Doing such things takes focus. Therefore, it is vitally important to focus on Jesus’ ascension. Jesus’ ascension that gives us assurance, purpose and sure hope.
And as we focus on Jesus’ ascension, we can pray the following words to a familiar ascension hymn, “O grant, dear Lord, this grace to me, Recalling Your ascension, That I may serve You faithfully, In thanks for my redemption; And then, when all my days will cease, Let me depart in joy and peace, In answer to my pleading.”
Living in the blessings of our ascended Lord,
Pastor Tuma