As a Baptist pastor, and part of the Free Church tradition, I have never focused too much on Jesus’ Ascension. Sure, I know it is recorded at the end of Luke’s Gospel and again in the beginning verses of Acts, Luke’s second volume; but I do not recall ever having preached a sermon or led a Bible study on the topic. Until this year, when that is exactly what I am planning to do. Why?
In part my interest in Jesus’ Ascension is sparked by my having leaned of late on the Revised Common Lectionary schedule of texts in my preaching. I determined to not leave Easter behind too quickly this year, so have mostly followed the recommended Gospel or Epistle readings for the Sunday’s of Easter. But this is not the only reason.
For the past three years I have also been working part-time as a chaplain in a Catholic hospital. It seems every time you turn around there is some kind of special feast day or saint day being recognized either in the communications shared with staff, or at a chapel service led by one of my priest chaplain colleagues. And, of course, Jesus’ Ascension (celebrated on May 14th) will qualify as one of those special days. Seeing the advertisements for such a “special day” and “special service” peaks my interest.
We Baptists never want anyone telling us what to do, what or how to preach, or really much of anything else. We are an independent (some might say “stubborn”) lot. But, I began to think maybe it was about time I investigated this holy day (The Ascension of our Lord) in the Christian calendar, and ministry of our Lord Jesus. What’s it all about? Why is it important? Is it important? (Yes it is!)
Let me lay the foundation for my affirmation in this way. To “ascend” is to “move upward, climb or rise to a higher point”. This can be done both physically and/or figuratively. Someone might ascend a hill, for example; but they might also ascend to a position of more responsibility. Turns out ascending is not all that uncommon in life. People do it all the time. They climb mountains, they scale the corporate ladder, they achieve degrees in higher education – they ascend.
Jesus’ ascension is a bit different from this, and yet, it’s not. At the close of his ministry on earth, 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven. He “goes up”, physically moving from earth to the heavens. There are eye witnesses to his ascension, some of whom, like Dr. Luke, record it for our benefit. But what does it mean?
Jesus’ ascension signals the completion of his earthly ministry and his return to glory. It marks his elevation and exaltation to the right hand of God, where he assumes his role as our High Priest and mediator before God. This is important. It means that Jesus is advocating for us as our High Priest with God, our creator. In this priestly intercessory role Jesus, who suffered for our sins on the cross, is uniquely interceding for all those who suffer and call out to him. He is looking upon us – seeing us – as followers and disciples; loving us and making intercession for us. Doesn’t that give you some goose bumps? It should!
In addition, his ascension happens, as he repeatedly taught, so that the Holy Spirit can come and dwell within us. Jesus does not “leave us” as orphans, but he sends the Spirit to be our comforter, advocate and guide here on earth. This happened 10 days after The Ascension of our Lord, on the day of Pentecost.
Finally, in his ascended role, our High Priest/King/Savior/Lord is also (according to John 14) “preparing a place for us” and he will “come again” to take us to be with him, they we may be where he is. (Sit with that for a moment or two!). To put it another way, Jesus ascends in anticipation of returning for the Church. He cannot come back until he goes, and his going has everything to do with his plan to return. Luke says it this way, quoting the angelic messengers present at the ascension of the Lord: “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” There’s been an ascension, and one day there will be a descending of the Victor Jesus, returning as promised to begin his judgement and reign as our King of Kings in the new heaven and new earth.
So, I ask you, doesn’t all of that add up to some solid reasoning from which to say “thank you” and recognize the role of Jesus’ acsension? Can’t even an independent, stubborn Baptist get behind that? I plan to. How about you?
danielcash 