“After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight.”
“He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.”
Into the Text
At the beginning of the book of Acts, after Jesus had risen from the dead, appeared to many, and spent forty days with His disciples, we read of Jesus being taken up into heaven. This moment signifies the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign. His ascension serves as His royal coronation, declaring Him the King of Kings.
Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, a position of ultimate authority. From this place of power, He rules, administers His Kingdom, and serves as the judge of heaven and earth, as highlighted in Ephesians 4:10.
From His exalted position, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon the church. This gift empowers us to live out our faith and continue His mission on earth. Although Jesus is not physically present with us, He remains spiritually present, continually advocating and interceding for us.
The ascension also brings us great comfort and hope as we navigate our earthly lives. We know where Jesus is. He will return to establish His Kingdom on earth and to judge the world. This assurance helps us to put the challenges and worries of this world into perspective. Jesus is preparing a place for us, just as He promised in John 14.
Jesus’ ascension compels us to live with an eternal perspective. We are urged to anticipate the day when we will be with Him in our heavenly home. This hope is not just a passive belief but a transformative force that can and should shape our lives, enabling us to live with joy for the future, a future that is bright and secure.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for your ascension. Help me to live in the power of your Spirit and with the hope of our future home with you. Comfort me with the knowledge of your presence and reign. In your name, Amen.