50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:50-53 (NIV)
Today is Ascension Day. It is the fourth Holy Day in the Christian Calendar. Ascension Day is precisely 40 days from Easter Sunday, and 10 days away from Pentecost Sunday. Throughout the centuries the global church has celebrated Holy Days (holidays) as a way of focusing, reflecting, considering, and thus magnifying major moments in Jesus ministry. While for most of my life this day held no special meaning or value – over the past several months these Holy Days have helped strengthen and deepen my journey and relationship with Jesus as I take time to reflect, prayerfully consider, and posture my heart in a place of wonder at the life of Jesus Christ. Ascension Day is certainly lesser known than other significant Holy Days however I have found it incredibly inspiring. So, this past Sunday I preached an Ascension Day message a week early (knowing that Mother’s Day is this Sunday). Here are a two thoughts pulled from my sermon:
1 Ascension Day celebrates a profound Christian reality: Jesus is the true king
That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:19b – 21 (NIV)
There is certainly no confusion in the Apostle Paul’s mind as he writes these words: “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” The ascension of Christ draws us to imagine (or reimagine) the rightful place of Jesus in authority, rule, reign, and kingdom. Jesus’ ascension is the fulfilling and culmination of His ministry here on earth.
Jesus – and not the principalities, powers of darkness, and empire of evil, rule and reign at the end of the Gospel accounts. I love that in both the Gospel of Mark and Luke the ending is the Ascension of Jesus. He is the one who is above and over all. The same is true for each of us as we follow Jesus and yield our lives to His rule and reign. Jesus’ Kingdom is one that brings freedom, peace, forgiveness, and good news to everyone it encounters (though it may not always appear the case).
In my sermon I made mention that this has dramatic implications for Jesus followers. At the outset of our journey with God we are clearly under a new rule, a new reign, a Jesus Kingdom – a Christ Empire. We are called to live under the rule and reign of Jesus. His words, commandments, actions, and priorities are now ours. His Kingdom advances with love not violence. His Kingdom offers forgiveness not retribution. His Kingdom offers peace not panic. His rule and reign lead us in a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. Jesus is the true King of the supernatural that is invading the natural.
2 Ascension Day celebrates Jesus’ victory and authority
“And God placed all things under his feet…” Ephesians 1:22a
Let’s be clear again about the rule and reign of Jesus’ kingdom: it is clearly rooted in His teachings, His lifestyle, and the freedom His death on the cross and His resurrection makes available to us. Jesus has the victory in all things. Following His ways leads to victory in our personal lives, and hopefully as a spiritual community. How? Well, as we yield our ways – our need for control – our opinions – and walk in simplicity the way of Jesus revealed in the Gospels. Guess what? We step into a victory over and above the principalities, powers, and the darkness of evil. Example: Jesus victory continues to establish the truth that what Jesus said and modeled truly reforms the world we live in. The song “Little Things With Great Love” by Audrey Assad (singer/songwriter) is a great truth at this point. The way I treat and speak to others. The way I relinquish control to God. The way I listen instead of interrupt. The way I care and treat the marginalized. The way I forgive instead of react. And, any and all the glorious Kingdom advancing instructions Jesus gives us in the Gospels.
In closing I want to encourage you to bring every arena of your life up and under the leadership of Jesus. He is a tremendous King. His government offers peace from the frenzy of a striving culture. His rule offers grace from a crippling past. His kingdom is filled with good things.
Paul Deary 