One of my favorite movies is the 1982 science fiction blockbuster E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. The movie ends with an emotional scene as E.T. says goodbye to his young friend Elliot. Before entering the spaceship, E.T. tells him, “I’ll be right here,” pointing his glowing finger to Elliott’s head. E.T. then walks into the spaceship and takes off, leaving a rainbow in the sky, which in a way reminds me of Jesus’ ascension.
Ascension Day is the day Jesus returned to heaven, 40 days after His crucifixion (Acts 1:3). Unlike Good Friday, Easter Sunday, or Pentecost Sunday, very few churches hold services to remember Jesus’ return to heaven. So what does His ascension mean for us today? Prior to His ascension, Jesus told His disciples, “You will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere” (Acts 1:8). His return to the Father set in motion the powerful indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5,8). Jesus said that He had to go away (John 16:7). Only then would the Father send the Holy Spirit as a gift to us (Acts 1:4; John 14:16-17). He came to indwell every believer (1 Corinthians 3:16), and to be our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Teacher (John 14:26, 15:26).
Jesus’ return to heaven set the course for His promised return to earth (Acts 1:11). Having completed His redemptive work on the cross, Jesus continues His intercessory work as our Advocate and High Priest in heaven, enthroned at the Father’s right hand (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 8:1-2; 1 John 2:1). “But someday He will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go” (Acts 1:11) and “with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26).
Considering that nearly 2,000 years have already passed, the day of His return for us could come much sooner than we expect (Romans 13:11; 1 Peter 4:7). But today, by His Spirit, He is “right here” in our hearts.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Daniel 6:1-28
More:
What does Ephesians 1:18-23 teach you about Jesus’ return to heaven?
Next:
Why do you feel it’s important to remember Jesus’ return to the Father? How does His imminent return to earth affect the way you live today?
jimgroberts on June 2, 2011 at 1:50 pm
As you shared – when thinking of the ascension I remind myself that He did not leave us alone but gave us the Holy Spirit to live in us. WOW. What power is now invested in us. How the figures of the old testament would have wanted this. I am reminded that this power within can save and resurrect the world. At Pentecost 3000 were saved – what are we waiting for!!! Jim
eppistle on June 2, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Usually when we think about Jesus, we think about the past (the incarnation) or the future (the end times), but not so much the present. So thanks for reminding us about His wonderful ministry He does now.
The hymn, “The Advocate” by Charities Bancroft speaks about this in a way that is theologically sound, but also touches the heart:
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
Who ever pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me to depart.
Can bid me to depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
Look on Him and pardon me.
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
Christ my Savior and my God!
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
King of glory and if Grace.
mayann on June 2, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Awesome! I felt lifted up with this verse; “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” Ephesians 1:18
WE ARE GOD’S PEOPLE! HIS RICH AND GLORIOUS INHERITANCE! What a great name!
Sometimes, I felt that the world’s so unfair. Sometimes, I ask God why certain things happened.
But this verse encourages me that if in this world I’m nobody, in God’s eyes, I’m His inheritance! So cheer up! Don’t let the enemy fool us! We are God’s people! WE ARE VICTORIOUS IN HIS NAME! Hallelujah!
conmeo on June 2, 2011 at 10:40 pm
I thank my Lord for all of you every day you help me with His guidance. I am lost. Pray that I may find the Holy Spirit and heal me.
winn collier on June 3, 2011 at 5:35 pm
I am encouraged by the declaration of Ascension as that second vindication (after resurrection) of Jesus Christ as the Lord and ruler over all the earth. For years, I heard it more as “well, Jesus is gone now.” Thank you for the reminder that it is so much more.