"Christ Ascended" 5/27/25

Dear brothers and sisters,

40 days after Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended to heaven. Christians have remembered this event on the 40th Day after Easter Sunday (this year that day falls on Thursday, May 29th) for centuries. Yet this is a reality with implications for every day of our lives. 

Luke records what happened in the book of Acts:

[9] And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. [10] And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, [11] and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11 ESV)

Do you think often of Jesus' Ascension? 

This was no afterthought in God's plan of redemption. This was the Exaltation of Christ to the Highest Place, returning to the glory that He had with the Father before the world began (Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:1-4). 

In His Ascension we are assured that He won an entrance to heaven for all who believe in Him. 

In His Ascension we are granted access to heaven's throne, through faith in Him who died and is ascended evermore.

In His Ascension we are assured that He rules on High and, therefore, will be with His people to the end.

Psalm 24:7-10 expresses the joy of heaven at the coming of the King in all His glory. 

[7]  Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. [8] Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! [9] Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. [10] Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah (ESV)

Is this your joy and confidence? 

Our Lord's Ascension is a glorious reality, full of hope, good news for all who believe in Jesus as Lord and God. Today, this week, as you live in this world of troubles, remember the hope that is ours, seated in Heaven.

Grace & Peace in Jesus our ascended King,

Matt