The Feast of the Ascension
Meditation and study as we journey to Pentecost
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. " (Luke 24:49-51 NIV)
Thomas insisted that he see the scars of the crucifixion. Upon seeing them, he fell on his knees and confessed: My Lord, and my God.
The Risen Jesus is recognized as Lord and as God. These powerful words became a message proclaimed for all to hear. By seeing the crucifixion and the resurrection in Jesus, Thomas saw the Father. This is an affair of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The early believers composed a hymn with similar words (Philippians 2):
8He humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Christ has been exalted, and now reigns from “the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:20).
Why Jesus said he must go back to glory where he came from: “If I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).
13“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” (16:13-14).
The Ascension is the work of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
What you can do
- Remember that the Risen Christ is Lord, and Lord over all, and is presently reigning as King and engaged in the world.
- Remember that Christ is Lord of your life and respond as servant of the exalted King.
- Take courage, and take your cares to the Christ who knows all about suffering and is still your Intercessor (Heb 7:25)
- Commit yourself to his purpose of transforming the world, “You shall be my witnesses… to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
Pray with the Christ
“May your kingdom come – May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” May I be your will on earth by the presence of your Holy Spirit in me. Amen