JOHN SHIRK – This is Ascension Day, when we reflect on the day that Jesus was taken to heaven. It happened in Acts 1:9.  “He was taken up before the eyes of his disciples, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”

Ascension Day explains where we are at the present moment in a number of ways.

First, the Holy Spirit is actively working in the church today, among followers of Jesus.  Jesus said to His disciples, “Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” And on Pentecost Day, just 10 days later, that promise was fulfilled.

Secondly, Ascension Day explains what Jesus is doing now. He told His disciples, “I am going there (to my Father’s house) to prepare a place for you. That is one thing Jesus is doing. Another thing He is doing is interceding for us. He is our Mediator. He reconciles us to God the Father, so that we can live in peace with God.  Hebrews 9:24 tells us that He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. He prays for us and pleads our case for our innocence because of His blood that was shed for our sins. Because of Jesus, we can go to the throne of grace with our prayers and petitions. 

And thirdly, Ascension Day reminds us that Jesus will come again. In Acts 1:10, two men, who appear to be angels, tell the disciples, “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.”

For a closer look at the Ascension of Jesus, read more about it in Acts 1, verses 9 to 11.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com