The true meaning of Ascension Day lies in the words Jesus Christ spoke to His disciples before His death, resurrection and ascension. In John 14:1Jesus says to His disciples, “Do not be worried and upset. Believe in God and believe in me…. And I am going to prepare a place for you…” In verse 3 Jesus says that they will join Him in eternity. In verse 12 He says, “…those who believe in me will do what I do – yes, they will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father.” In John 16:7 Jesus says, “… It is better for you that I go away…But if I do go away, then I will send him to you.” Verses 8 – 10 of this chapter tell us that the Helper was to convict the world of what is right and what is wrong.
Ascension Day, therefore, means growing in faith – believe in God and believe in Jesus. Without believing one cannot serve God to the fullest. Ascension Day means Christ’s disciples receive heavenly power to do the work of their Master, but also do “even greater things.” Jesus Christ’s ascension also means His disciples will not walk and work alone. In Christ’s physical absence from the world, the Holy Spirit – whom He will send – will be living among them, equipping them for service, inspiring them to serve with confidence.
Luke’s gospel (24:45 – 49) tells us that after resurrection Jesus made the disciples to understand scriptures. He had come to preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all nations. He exhorted them to remember that they were to be witness of the work He had done. Jesus commanded them to go and preach this message to all people. Jesus also promised them that He will send the Holy Spirit to be their leader and guide. Then in Acts 1:8 Jesus assuredly reiterates the promise, “…when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth.” On Ascension Day Christian believers celebrate the fulfilment of God’s love and redemptive work for His people. They celebrate Christ’s passion, His compassion, His generosity, His blessings, the fulfilment of His promises. On Ascension Day Christian believers celebrate and recommit themselves to the mission of preaching the Good News to the world. They know that they will be unable to do this with their own power. So, they wait for the Holy Spirit who will be coming to provide counsel. Christians also know that they must work whilst it is time, because Jesus Christ will return to the world to take them Home.
As we celebrate the Christ’s Ascension I leave the readers with this poem/song:
On this day, Christ ascended high
To the heavens, beyond our sky
His earthly mission complete
In glory, He takes His seat.
With open arms, He bids farewell,
To His disciples, who could tell
That His love would never cease
As they spread His message of peace.
In awe, they watched Him disappear
But in their heart, He would be near
Christ’s Ascension, a sacred sight,
Filling the world with eternal light.
(Author Unknown)