June 4, 2025
Acts 1:8–9
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
Ephesians 1:20–23
“[God] raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms… And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body…”
Matthew 28:18–20
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”
I find for some the account of the Ascension is treated as the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly story, a farewell. I suppose that is understandable, however the Ascension is not the completion of Jesus earthly ministry; I do believe that the account of the Ascension suggests that it is the beginning of our mission and ministry.
You see when Jesus ascended, He wasn’t leaving the world behind, He was, as we have noted, taking His place as Lord over it all, and at the same time empowering His Church to continue His mission. He rose to reign, and from that exalted position at the right hand of God, He rules for the benefit and blessing of His followers and for the advancement of the gospel.
We read above that the very moment He disappears into the clouds (Acts 1:9), his "going up" is promptly connected to our calling: “You will be my witnesses…” This means that our mission is established not just in the resurrection, but also in the ascension.
Mission can feel intimidating. I mean the world can be resistant, hostile, or indifferent to the Gospel. However, the ascension reminds us that our confidence is not in our strategies, no, our confidence is in Christ’s authority and Lordship.“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go…” (Matthew 28:18)
We go, we engage in mission in the name of the ascended Jesus who holds all things in His hands.
Great comfort can be found in the truth and experience that we are not left to carry on Jesus' mission in our own strength. The same Jesus who ascended is the One who sent the Holy Spirit to fill, guide, and strengthen us for our calling. (Acts 1:8).
Mission is "Spirit-born" and "Spirit-sustained." Haven't you found that our weakness, or shortcomings becomes a platform for His power?
Notice, Jesus prays for His people as they live and serve Him.
“He always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)
When we feel ineffective in our witness, perhaps we need to pause and remember: our Lord Jesus is praying for us. Isn't there comfort and strength in this?
We may feel ordinary. We may feel unqualified. We may feel tired. Yet the truth is we have been called by the One who now reigns. The One who ascended into heaven sent His Spirit to dwell in us. He walks beside us in companionship. He prays for us. Jesus promises to use even our smallest deeds of witness for His eternal purposes.
Your role in God’s mission may be unseen—raising children, serving quietly, sharing faith over coffee, praying for your neighbors—but it matters. Christ has chosen to work through His Church, and you are part of that Church.
Let's Pray
Jesus,
You are seated in heaven, reigning over all things.
Thank You that Your Ascension is
the beginning of Your reign and our mission.
Give me confidence in Your authority,
Give me strength through Your Spirit,
and Give me courage to speak and live as Your witness.
Help me to know that You are indeed working through me,
even when I feel tired, weak, ineffective or unworthy.
Until You return, keep me faithful and focused.
Amen.
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