JUNE 3, 2025
“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight… ‘This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’”
Ephesians 1:20–23
“[God] raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority… and God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.”
Hebrews 4:14–16
“We have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God… Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.”
As I was writing Monday’s devotional I was drawn to read from the Heidelberg Catechism’s teaching on the Ascension of Jesus. The following part reminded me of some great truths that the Ascension of Jesus holds for us.
Q: How does Christ’s ascension to heaven benefit us?
A: First, he pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of his Father.
Second, we have our own flesh in heaven—a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, his members, to himself.
Third, he sends his Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee. By the Spirit’s power we make the goal of our lives not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand.
The Heidelberg Catechism powerfully underscores the beautiful message of Jesus’ Ascension. It assures us that Jesus did not disappear from our lives, but rather Jesus took His rightful place at the center of all things, where He continues to this very day His loving work for us. (see John 1:1-14; Colossians 1:15-20)
The Ascension is a “heavenly coronation”. Jesus has not abandoned us, or gone on vacation, or retired from His work, He reigns over it! In a world of chaos, division, and fear, it is a comfort to know: Jesus is Lord. The rule and reign of Jesus is not some theory, but it is sound biblical truth. If Jesus is Lord, and he is, then He not only holds authority over the nations and powers of our world, but Jesus is Lord over our most personal burdens and fears and worries.
So, if or when, you feel like life is spinning out of control, remember Jesus words: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18)
Through the ascension, we are reminded that Jesus represent us. He knows our struggles, our sorrows, our secrets. And right now, at the Father’s side, He is interceding for you (Romans 8:34). What amazing comfort this gives. When we are too tired to pray, when guilt silences our words, when anxiety clutters our heart, Jesus is praying. For us!
“He always lives to intercede for those who come to God through Him.” (Hebrews 7:25)
Another point that catechism makes is that Christ’s ascension is not just about where He went, but also about where we are going. As the Catechism says, “We have our own flesh in heaven—a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, His members, to Himself.”
Heaven is not wishful thinking; it is, as it is often said, a “prepared place for a prepared people” (John 14:2–3). One day, we too will rise and be with Him forever.
Finally, because Jesus ascended, we are no longer bound to this world’s aims and concerns. We are empowered by the Spirit He sent and called to live for things above (Colossians 3:1–2).
The Ascension anchors our hope, energizes our mission, and reorients our focus. It reminds us: we are not drifting aimlessly. We are following our risen King!!
Let’s Pray
Risen and reigning Lord,
You have not left us—you have gone before us.
Thank You for sitting at the right hand of the Father,
interceding for us, reigning over all things,
and preparing a place where we will be with You forever.
In a world of fear and noise, give us quiet confidence in Your Lordship. In our weakness, remind us that You are our Advocate.
In our mission, give us boldness and joy through the power of Your Spirit. Help us set our hearts on things above, where You are. Until You return, keep us faithful and focused on You. Amen.
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