If any of you attend a liturgical church like I do, you probably know that the next church holiday on the calendar is Ascension Day. If not, read on…
We pull out all the stops to celebrate Christmas. We chase bunnies and hunt for colored eggs at Easter, but has anyone heard of Ascension Day? It is tomorrow, Thursday, May 18th. It is not a day that gets much recognition, yet it should. It is a public holiday in many European countries.
Ascension Day comes forty days after Easter and is, therefore, always on a Thursday. After Jesus’ suffering and death, during this forty-day period, he appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. He talked to them about things concerning the Kingdom of God. (Acts 1:1-11)
Here are a few reasons to celebrate Ascension Day:
It assures us that Jesus is alive and exalted to a position of glory in Heaven. (Eph. 1:20-23)
He ascended to a place; he didn’t simply disappear. True, we cannot see it, but that is only because our eyes are not open to the dimension in which it exists. We have angels all around us all the time that we cannot see. Remember the Old Testament story of Elisha at Dothan? We read that he and his servant were surrounded by the armies of King Aram. Elisha’s servant was afraid and asked Elisha, “what shall we do?” Elisha calmed him and told him not to be afraid. Then, Elisha prayed and asked God to open his eyes and let him see. When the Lord opened the servant’s eyes to the spiritual dimension “he saw the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” (2 Kings 6:17)
It made possible the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers. (Acts 2:33)
Ten days after Jesus’ ascension into Heaven as the believers were meeting together there came a sound from Heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-4) This was on the day of Pentecost.
In John’s gospel Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I go to the Father.” These “greater works” encompass the entire ministry of the church – works of teaching, evangelism, deeds of mercy and compassion. On the day of Pentecost alone more people became believers than during Jesus’ entire earthly ministry to that point. All because of the power of the Holy Spirit.
It assures us that He is coming back.
In Acts chapter 1, verse 11, an angel asks, “Why are you standing here staring into Heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into Heaven, but someday He will return in the same way you saw Him go.”
In John’s gospel, Jesus made this promise. “Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust Me. There is plenty of room in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I am on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live.” (14:1-3 MSG)
Christ has ascended to the right hand of the Father. With eyes of faith, we now see Jesus – who suffered death for us all – crowned with glory and honor. (Heb. 2:9)
I encourage you to spend Ascension Day reflecting on these scriptures about Christ’s ascension. And if you’re interested in singing — here’s a great old hymn. Make it your “hymn of the day.”
Look, Ye Saints the Sight is Glorious
1 Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious:
See the Man of Sorrows now!
From the fight returned victorious,
Ev’ry knee to him shall bow.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crowns become the victor’s brow.
Crown Him! Crown Him!
Crowns become the victor’s brow.
2 Crown the Savior, angels, crown him!
Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
On the seat of pow’r enthrone Him
While the vault of heaven rings.
3 Sinners in derision crowned Him,
Mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around him,
Own His title, praise His name.
4 Hark, those bursts of acclamation!
Hark, those loud, triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
Oh, what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him! Crown Him!
King of kings and Lord of lords!
Crown Him! Crown Him!
King of kings and Lord of lords!
Look! Ye saints, the sight is glorious! Oh, what joy the sight affords!
Have a joyous Ascension Day!
Bill Erickson
Devotional Blog 