A Comfort and a Challenge

One year I missed celebrating the Ascension. I live in D.C., which celebrates it on a Sunday, but happened to be in New Jersey on that Sunday, where it had already been celebrated the previous Thursday. I really did miss celebrating it.  I have come to have a deep love for this feast, finding it both comforting and challenging. 

It’s not a feast that brings an end to Jesus’ work. Rather, it marks Jesus’ transition from a limited sphere of activity—preaching, teaching, healing, living, and dying within the geographical space of Israel and its environs two thousand years ago—to the exalted position of being in glory at the Father’s right hand, interceding for us all, with “all things beneath his feet,” having been given “as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way” (Ephesians 1:23). This is a most comforting vision of Jesus and his ongoing role of praying for all creation. 

The challenge comes from Luke’s two versions of the Ascension, reminding us  that Jesus was not signaling “mission accomplished.” Note how Jesus quickly dismisses the suggestion that now was the time for Israel to be restored to a position of power as in the good old days of King David. Instead, Jesus prepares them for the next phase of God’s plan for the world: working under the power of the Holy Spirit. A great deal of work remains to be done. So . . . don’t stand around looking up. Get moving! 

Consider/Discuss

• What does it mean to say that Jesus sits at the right hand of the  Father? 
• Are angels whispering for you to “move on” and take up some work that invites your bearing witness to Christ? 

Responding to the Word

We thank you, Father, for the assurance that we have One who constantly intercedes for us. We thank you for making us part of your plan as co-workers.  Enlighten the eyes of our hearts so we may see where you wish us to go and what you want us to do.