Collect for Ascension Day: Eternal Father, whose Son Jesus Christ, when he returned to glory, did not leave us comfortless but sent the Holy Spirit to remain with us forever; grant that the same Spirit may bring us at last to that heavenly home where Christ has gone before to prepare a place, and where with you and the Holy Spirit he is worshipped and glorified now and forever. Amen (Methodist Service Book)
Read Ephesians 1:15-23. The picture of Jesus disappearing into the clouds probably has more to do with the great Art Masters than the biblical witness. That Jesus is now in the very presence of God is beyond question and the sign which clinches that is the veil in the temple was torn in two, opening the way into the Holy of Holies. As the torn veil opens the way to God, so now the risen man Jesus steps into the Holy of Holies and exists now in God’s space. However, the idea that Jesus is now somewhere gazing benignly down on our world is dispelled by the Ephesian reading set down for Ascension Day:”God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come.” {Ephesians 1:20-21} Clearly this verse reminds us that God’s power at work in Jesus’ earthly ministry is at work still as he is seated now in the position of power, “at his right hand”. In Acts 1:1ff, Luke reminds us that in the days before his ascension Jesus continued to teach about the Kingdom of God and so it is reasonable to assume that this is the on-going work to which Jesus is now directing his power, to establish God’s kingdom. The goal is that this kingdom will finally be established on earth as it is in heaven, a goal we pray for every time we say the Lord’s Prayer. What this new kingdom will look like is described through the good news of the Gospel, as well as in the Old Testament. Perhaps it most succinct description is found in Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”?
As followers and believers in Jesus, we think about him now at the right hand of God, still working to subdue the principalities and power which work against both God and creation itself. As part of that ongoing work we should be looking to respond to Micah’s prophetic word to uphold justice, love kindness and walk humbly in obedience to God. There has never been a better time!
Prayer: Gracious Father, we thank you that Jesus lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, and continues his ministry of power until all things in both heaven and earth are subject to you. Grant that we too may play our small part, working in his name. We pray that you will hasten that day when the work will be complete and Jesus will come and lead your people in victory over death and decay. Our hearts rejoice to know that you have set a day for that glorious return and wait with tranquil hearts until that time. Amen
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