A Day of Joy, Not Sadness: Why Jesus’ Ascension is the Ultimate Source of Your Hope
When we think of Jesus’s life, we tend to focus on the big moments: His birth, His death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. We celebrate Christmas and Easter with great fanfare, but one of the most vital events in His story is often forgotten: His ascension into heaven. ☁️
Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus gathered with His disciples on the Mount of Olives. After giving them final instructions, He was lifted up into a cloud and taken from their sight. This moment, recorded in Acts 1:9, marks the end of His earthly ministry. But this day isn’t a farewell to be mourned; it’s a celebration of victory and the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. 🎉
So, what exactly is Ascension Day, and why should it be a day of deep spiritual joy for every Christian?
The Problem: The Day Is Often Overlooked
In our modern world, we often rush past Ascension Day. It falls on a Thursday, making it easy to miss, and many of our churches have shifted the observance to the following Sunday. This lack of attention leads to a missed opportunity. Without a clear understanding of the Ascension, our faith can feel incomplete. We might see Jesus as a historical figure who died and rose again, but we miss what He’s doing now for us in heaven. 🙏
This oversight can leave us feeling like our faith is a historical account rather than a living, active relationship.
The Biblical Answer: A Triumphant Return to His Throne
The Ascension is a victory celebration. It’s the moment when Jesus, having conquered sin and death, triumphantly returns to His rightful place as King of all creation. 👑
“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19, KJV)
This simple verse is packed with profound theological truth. The act of Jesus “sitting down” is not one of rest but of authority. It signifies that His work of salvation is complete, and He has now taken His position of ultimate power at the right hand of the Father.
The Ascension is critically important for our faith for three key reasons:
- It Confirms Christ’s Authority. The Ascension is God’s public declaration that Jesus is Lord of all. He is not just a teacher or a prophet; He is the reigning King. All power and authority in heaven and on earth have been given to Him. Why Is Jesus Called God?
- It Establishes Christ’s Ongoing Ministry. Jesus didn’t just leave us; He went to prepare a place for us and to act as our great High Priest. The book of Hebrews tells us that He “always lives to make intercession” for us. He is our constant advocate, praying for us before the Father. The Final Home Promised in the Bible
- It Sets the Stage for the Holy Spirit. Before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit to come. His departure was a necessary step for the Spirit to descend, empowering believers to be His witnesses “to the end of the earth.” Ascension Day is the bridge to Pentecost, the birth of the Church. The Power of Christian Community
Practical Ways to Observe Ascension Day
While many churches may not have special services, you can honor this day in your personal life or with your family. These traditions, some ancient and some modern, can help you reflect on the significance of Jesus’s triumph.
- Hike a Hill or Go Cloud Watching. 🌳 Many historical traditions involved processions to a mountaintop, mirroring the Mount of Olives. Take a moment to go outside, lay on the grass with your family, and look up at the clouds. Read Acts 1:9-11 together and imagine the scene as the disciples watched Him ascend.
- Enjoy a Festive Meal. 🍽️ The feast is a joyful occasion. Consider a “cloud-themed” dessert like meringues or whipped cream to symbolize Jesus being taken up by a cloud. Or, in some European traditions, people eat birds to symbolize Christ “flying” to heaven.
- Read the Scriptures. 📖 Take time to read the biblical accounts of the Ascension in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, and Acts 1:9-11. Reflect on what Jesus’s exaltation and authority mean for your life today.
- Pray for Your Church’s Mission. 🙏 Jesus’s final command before ascending was to make disciples of all nations. Use this day to pray for missionaries and for your local church’s outreach efforts. The Power of Prayer
A Call to Action: Live in the Light of His Victory
Ascension Day is a powerful reminder that our faith is not in an absent Lord but in an exalted, reigning King. He did not abandon us; He went to a place of power to continue His work on our behalf.
- Let your heart ascend with Him. As the hymn says, “My heart has been caught up with Yours.” Live your life with your eyes on eternity, knowing that where the Head has gone, the Body is called to follow. What Will We Do in Heaven?
- Pray with confidence. Knowing that Jesus intercedes for you should give you bold confidence in prayer. You can approach God’s throne with full assurance that your High Priest understands you. How to Pray Effectively
- Live as His representative. You are part of the Church, the Body of Christ. You are His hands and feet in a world that needs to see His love. Live as someone who serves a King who has already won the war. ⚔️
Ascension Day isn’t about looking up to an empty sky, but about looking forward to a glorious return. 🙌
