Ascension Day - Jesus, The Ruler of Kings on Earth

Revelation 1:1-5

Dietrich Bonhoeffer ended up in prison at the end of the 20th century as he was executed for his part in the plot in an assassination attempt on Hitler. As he sat in his prison cell, he was very well aware of the hatred and violence that surrounded him. Yet as he sat in his prison cell on Jun 4, 1943, it was Ascension Day that year and Bonhoeffer wrote a letter to his parents on that day, and he said: ‘Today is Ascension Day and that means it is a day of great joy to all who can believe that Christ rules the world and their lives.’

Now this year Ascension Day is today (Thursday, May 29). Why should this day be a point of hope for believers? This coming Sunday I will preach on the Ascension from Revelation 1:1-5 on “Jesus: The Ruler of kings on earth.” The ascension means that Jesus, who was crucified for us, now occupies the throne of heaven and reigns over all things for us. That’s something worth remembering, whatever you’re going to be doing today. And it’s a wonderful thought to have at the end of the day when you lay your head on the pillow. It really is true:

All his work is ended, joyfully we sing:Jesus has ascended: Glory to our King!

Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 18

Take a few minutes and see how the Heidelberg Catechism answers clearly and robustly, why this should be a day of great hope. The ascension shows us that Christ is our advocate in heaven, that our bodies will join him one day, and that the Spirit has been given to us as a guarantee.

Q46. What do you mean by saying, “He ascended to heaven”?

A46. That Christ, while his disciples watched, was taken up from the earth into heaven and remains there on our behalf until he comes again to judge the living and the dead.

Q47. But isn’t Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?

A47. Christ is true human and true God. In his human nature Christ is not now on earth; but in his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit he is never absent from us.

Q48. If his humanity is not present wherever his divinity is, then aren’t the two natures of Christ separated from each other?

A48. Certainly not. Since divinity is not limited and is present everywhere, it is evident that Christ’s divinity is surely beyond the bounds of the humanity that has been taken on, but at the same time his divinity is in and remains personally united to his humanity.

Q49. How does Christ’s ascension to heaven benefit us?

A49. First, he is our advocate in heaven in the presence of his Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that Christ our head will also take us, his members, up to himself. Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a corresponding pledge. By the Spirit’s power we seek not earthly things but the things above, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand.

I am looking forward to joining you in worship this coming Lord’s Day as we think on the glorious truth of Jesus Christ’s Ascension.

For His Glory,

Pastor Wayne