Ascension Day - Is it still important?

(read: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 24)

First and foremost, the Ascension of Christ completes the exaltation of the Son of God. What the Resurrection began, the Ascension of the glorified God-man into heaven completes.

The promises are now reality. Jesus Christ now reigns on high! The Ascension not only completes what the resurrection began, but it also marks the beginning of Christ's heavenly glorification and kingly reign. Jesus Christ has ascended the throne of David (Acts 2:33), showing himself to be superior to all prophets, priests and kings. For he is the final prophet, he is the great high-priest and now, he is the all-conquering king. For he now sits at the right hand of His Father until such time as He makes His enemies a mere footstool for his feet.

He alone sits next to the Majesty in Heaven (Heb. 1:3). He alone rises over all and fills all (Eph. 4:10). He alone is given the name that is above every other name (Phil. 2:6) at His name every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father. He alone is superior to the angels, for He sits enthroned (Heb. 1:13) while they go forth to do His bidding. Peter tells us that all angels, authorities and powers are now in subjection to Him as He alone sits at the right hand of God.

He will reign until he puts all enemies under his feet and He will hand His kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. The last enemy he will conquer is death itself. Thus, his rule will be complete at his return, when the penalty for our sin, death is forever swallowed up in the glories of the Resurrection. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Do you believe these things? Do you live conscious of the ascension of Jesus Christ and His arms extended in blessing over you? Then you may say with the psalmist: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Let us pray : Father, we thank You for the truth of the glorious ascension of Jesus Christ into the heavens; that He is truly King of kings and that He will return again. Amen.