Today corresponds to one of the great days in all spiritual history. Although oft overlooked and little appreciated, May 13th corresponds to the day of the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ten days before Pentecost (which this year falls on Sunday, May 23) is Ascension Day, always occurring on a Thursday.
The actual event of the ascension is recorded in three places in the Scripture:
Luke 24:50, 51:
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
Acts 1:9-12:
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the Mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
Mark 16:19:
So, then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
These three records can be put together by Scripture build-up. The ascension occurred at Bethany, a town on the Mount of Olives, a short distance from Jerusalem. Jesus Christ spoke tremendous truths to his assembled followers, particularly concerning the coming of the holy spirit. Then he lifted up his hands and, as he blessed them, they beheld him being parted from them as a cloud received him out of their sight, carrying him into heaven. They looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up. Then, almost immediately, two angels appeared and spoke of his promised return. The disciples then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, to wait for the promise of the Father.
As a result of this incredible occurrence, Jesus Christ “sat on the right hand of God.” Whenever the Bible refers to something of spiritual significance as “seated”, or that it “sat” or is “at rest,” it refers to it being fulfilled, completed, finished. This great event completed our Savior’s first coming to earth. All the work for man’s redemption was accomplished. It was a “did done deal.” All that remained was for our Lord and Savior to send forth the gift of holy spirit, which we know occurred for the first time ten days later on the day of Pentecost. On this day of the ascension, the assembled followers were simply instructed to wait for it at Jerusalem and the gift would be given “not many days hence.”
Many New Testament scriptures speak of the resultant realities of Christ’s ascension into heaven. You might enjoy reading Ephesians 1:18-23 and 4:8-11 as well as Hebrews 1:3, 4:14-16 and 7:25, 26 in this light. Considering these and other verses in light of the ascension brings new, deepened appreciation of Jesus Christ’s accomplishments and exalted position. No other achievement even begins to compare to that of the Lord Jesus Christ. His work stands – and he is seated – “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” He is the highest of the highs!
– J. Douglas Seed
