Ten Things I Learned from Jesus' Ascension
It's kind of a forgotten festival.
Some churches hold special services on the Thursday of ascension, some don’t, and some try but not many people show up. We mention the ascension of Jesus (and his sitting at the right hand of God) every time we say the Apostles’ or Nicene Creed on Sunday, so it certainly holds some significance for us. But what?
Here are ten truths about the ascension of Jesus that make a difference for your believing and living. Enjoy them. Share them.
10. Jesus didn’t go anywhere, he went everywhere. “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).
9. Jesus now actively prepares heaven for you as he also prepares you for heaven. He’s go the ultimate goal for you in his plans and power. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). He’s not retired from his saving work.
8. Jesus ascended 40 days after he rose from the dead, and so the celebration of his ascension 40 days after Easter always falls on a Thursday.
7. And, there’s something about that number 40 … Moses spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai with God on two occasions, Elijah fled wicked Ahab and Jezebel on a 40-day journey to Mt. Sinai without food or drink, the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and it rained for 40 days in the great flood. All incidents when it would seem God’s people were hopeless and chaos ruled the day, but God’s plan called for a certain period of time (no more, no less) and it was so. He is in control.
6. Jesus uses his power to help believers. “Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). He always puts in a good word for you even if you can’t come up with any reason why God should love you, forgive you, or answer your prayers.
5. His disciples were hoping that Jesus would take a new position of ruling power on this earth, but instead Jesus handed power over to his disciples (and us) to be witnesses of his saving acts and promises.
4. As he visibly disappeared from this earth in the presence of angels, he will some day soon reappear on this earth in the presence of angels on Judgment Day.
3. After he rose from the dead Jesus appeared only in private settings to only his followers. Had he not ascended, the public sensationalism surrounding his resurrection would have stirred up more controversy than faith.
2. Now Jesus is everywhere, knows everything, and can do whatever it takes to save and forgive us, so his ascension means we don’t need to be afraid. “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38,39).
1. Today Jesus loves people, helps them, heals their hurts, and leads them through us. We are his hands. Believers are the body of Christ.
PRAYER: Ascended Lord Jesus, bless us now as you blessed your disciples long ago. Send us as your witnesses and empower us to share your wondrous works with others. Carry us onward during difficult times and fill us with your love as we await your return. May those who look for you on this earth find you in your gracious promises, and follow your invisible presence to eternal life. Amen.