A wide range of things, from credit standards and security ratings to consumer goods, get labelled ‘Triple A’ or ‘AAA’ and, in doing so, claim to be of exceptional importance and extreme value. For the Christian, Jesus’ ascension into heaven can be seen as an ‘AAA event’, something of the very highest worth.
The return of Jesus into heaven in the Ascension is anticipated in the Gospels (for example, John 3:13, 6:62 and 20:17), and recorded in Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:9-11. On the basis that Luke says the event occurred forty days after Easter Sunday, Ascension is celebrated on a Thursday – this year 29th May. The Ascension is an AAA belief and with three ‘A’ words let me explain why.
First, the Ascension is important because it is a confirmation of Christ’s Achievement. The Ascension marks the end of everything Jesus had to do in his earthly ministry. The actions on this earth of the one who was – and is – perfect God and perfect man, have come to a close. On the cross Jesus cried out, ‘It is finished!’ but as he ascended into heaven, he could have repeated the words. The church age had not quite begun – that awaited the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost – but Christ’s earthly work of saving us was complete. It was indeed ‘Mission accomplished!’ This is a tremendous encouragement. The Ascension confirms that the price has indeed been paid and there are now no ‘outstanding debts’. Jesus’ vertical ascent into glory remains a ‘visual aid’ for all Christians, past or present, that he has done his work.
The cross was the payment, the resurrection was the receipt, and the Ascension was the royal proclamation.
Jesus rose to rescue us, ascended to represent us and reigns to restore us.
Second, the Ascension is important because it is a proclamation of Christ’s Authority. The Ascension isn’t Jesus leaving, it’s Jesus leading. He’s not gone, he’s on the throne. Jesus always was King of the universe but now, elevated into heaven that lies beyond and around us, and seated at the right hand of God the Father, he reigns as King with supreme power. That’s a powerful antidote to much that can trouble us. Spiritually, looking within ourselves, we can find struggles with such things as temptation, depression or weariness. Mentally, we can be troubled with difficulties or easily be overwhelmed by news that sees everything in terms of political, economic or military might. Yet the Ascension reminds us of the comforting truth that the ascended Jesus has a power above all earthly powers. He rules in power for us.
Jesus went up so we could look up. He’s not out of sight, he’s overseeing.
Finally, the Ascension is important because it is a celebration of our own Access to heaven through Christ. Over 150 times in the letters of the New Testament, Christians are described as being ‘in Christ’. To put our faith in Christ is, in some extraordinary way, to be bonded with, and into, him. As we have died in Christ, we will be raised in Christ. In heaven we have ‘a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for us, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay’ (1 Peter 1:4 NLT). That we have such an access to heaven is the truth that changes all that we are.
The Ascension is an event that confirms our trust in Jesus as our redeemer, builds reliance on him as our Lord, and encourages us to remember that all we have of eternal value is already safely deposited in heaven.
Jesus went up with scars, but reigns with majesty – our wounded healer is our reigning King.
Ascension Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
Risen and ascended, you are not absent but gloriously present.
You are our reigning King, yet you still bear the scars of your love.
You intercede for us with a heart that knows our struggles, and your throne of grace is always open.
Lift our eyes beyond our worries.
Lift our hearts beyond our doubts.
Lift our lives beyond our limitations.
When we feel alone, remind us that you are our Advocate.
When we feel weak, fill us with your Spirit.
When we are tempted to despair, show us the hope of your kingdom.
Lord, as you ascended, you commissioned – send us out with courage, compassion and conviction.
May we live as your witnesses, with our feet on the earth, our eyes on the skies and our hearts on your throne.
We pray this in the mighty, reigning name of Jesus, our risen, ascended and ever-present Saviour.
Amen.
