Ascension Day and You

Ascension Day is the Holy day we remember Jesus Christ returning to Heaven. It might seem like just another day but, there are some wonderful things about this event for us to keep in mind as we go about our daily lives.

The Ascension is described for us in Acts 1:9-11 "And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.'"

1) He is coming back. As verse 11 relates, the message was that Jesus Christ God the Son “will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” So we know that He did not abandon us! In fact we are to live anticipating His return. The truth is we could be face to face with Him at any moment and that should be a comfort to us.

2) We have an assurance that He cares and is working on our behalf. From Hebrews 4:14-16 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

3) He intercedes for us: Hebrews 7:25 “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." and 9:24 "For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;"

4) He is our mediator: Hebrews 9:14-15 “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”

Jesus Christ does all that and so much more! So the Ascension is an occasion to celebrate and thank our God for His many mercies toward us. So take a few moments, reflect on the ascension, and take time to thank God for all he is doing for you.

Written by Rev. Daniel B. Baker May 2007



Articles by Rev. Daniel B. Baker :: Webmaster: Joseph I. Baker