After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. – Acts 1:9
The Event of Ascension
We gather together to remember the significant moment when Jesus ascended into heaven. This event wasn’t just an ending; it was a moment where the disciples witnessed something truly miraculous. As Jesus was lifted up, a cloud enveloped Him, reminding us of His divine nature and His authority over heaven and earth. This powerful moment sets the stage for the establishment of the church and our ongoing faith journey. When we reflect on the ascension, we see that it was a crucial step in God’s redemptive plan, reminding us to maintain our faith in His promises and the hope of His return.
Acts 1:10
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. – Acts 1:10
Luke 24:51
While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. – Luke 24:51
Mark 16:19
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. – Mark 16:19
John 20:17
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” – John 20:17
Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
We often think about how Jesus’ ascension gives us hope for the future. When He ascended to heaven, it wasn’t an act of separation but a promise of His ongoing presence in our lives. Today, we can be assured that Jesus reigns and fully comprehends our challenges and struggles. His ascension reminds us that He is preparing a place for us and interceding on our behalf. Faith brings comfort in our hearts, knowing the Savior is close, always watching over us. His ascension transformed the way we view our lives and our relationship with God.
John 14:2
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? – John 14:2
Hebrews 4:14
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. – Hebrews 4:14
1 Peter 3:22
Who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. – 1 Peter 3:22
Acts 3:21
Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. – Acts 3:21
Revelation 3:21
To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. – Revelation 3:21
The Fulfillment of Scripture
As we reflect on the ascension of Jesus, we recognize that it fulfilled many prophecies and promises in the Scriptures. The ascension was not an unexpected event, but a culmination of the events foretold throughout the Old Testament. It acts as a divine confirmation of Jesus’ identity as the long-awaited Messiah and God’s plan for humanity. Reflecting on these fulfilled scriptures helps us appreciate the continuity of God’s word and serves as a reminder that we are part of a larger story. These prophecies remain powerful testimonies of faith and hope for us today.
Psalms 68:18
When you ascended on high, you took many captives; you received gifts from people, even from the rebellious—that you, Lord God, might dwell there. – Psalms 68:18
Isaiah 52:13
See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. – Isaiah 52:13
Daniel 7:13
In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. – Daniel 7:13
Zechariah 14:4
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. – Zechariah 14:4
Luke 17:22
Then he said to his disciples: “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it.” – Luke 17:22
The Great Commission
As Jesus ascended, He didn’t leave us without purpose. He commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations. This great commission tasks us with spreading the message of His love and grace. Each one of us carries this calling, empowering us to share the hope we find in Christ with others. We get the privilege of working alongside God in His plan for redemption. Embracing this mission unites us as believers, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and witnessing our faith in various ways.
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 28:19
Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” – Mark 16:15
Luke 24:47
And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. – Luke 24:47
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. – Acts 1:8
John 20:21
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – John 20:21
The Role of the Holy Spirit
As we reflect on Jesus’ ascension, it is crucial to remember that He promised to send the Holy Spirit to be our comforter and guide. While He is in heaven, the Holy Spirit works in us, empowering us to live out our faith boldly. The presence of the Holy Spirit allows us to continue Jesus’ work on earth. Embracing the Spirit in our lives helps us navigate the challenges of our day, providing strength and direction as we fulfill our purpose. When we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, we will experience God’s love in transformative ways.
John 14:16
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever. – John 14:16
Acts 2:4
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. – Acts 2:4
John 16:7
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. – John 16:7
Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. – Romans 8:26
1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. – 1 Corinthians 12:13
The Promise of His Return
As we celebrate the ascension of Jesus, we find hope in His promise that He will come again. Just as He left, we can trust that Jesus will return to gather His followers unto Himself. This promise shapes our lives, reminding us to live with confidence and purpose daily. We find comfort in knowing that our Savior, who reigns in glory, is preparing a place for us and will come back to restore all things. Living in anticipation of His return fuels our faith, motivating us to share His love while we wait.
Acts 1:11
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11
Revelation 1:7
Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen. – Revelation 1:7
Matthew 24:30
Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. – Matthew 24:30
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20
2 Peter 3:10
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. – 2 Peter 3:10
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the ascension of Jesus, we are reminded of its profound importance. This event marks not just a milestone in Jesus’ life but symbolizes the hope and promise it carries for our lives as believers. Through His ascension, we find purpose in the Great Commission, motivation in the promise of His return, and comfort through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Together, we are empowered to share the love of Christ and live out our faith boldly in the world around us. Let us be encouraged by this powerful narrative and live in anticipation of all God has in store for us.
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