Today is Ascension Thursday. The PCUSA Book of Common Worship explains that "forty days after celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord, near the conclusion of the season of Easter, we commemorate the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven." Today we emphasize that Jesus not only rose bodily from the grave, he also ascended from earth to heaven. The first disciples watched Jesus rise from the earth and disappear into the clouds (Acts 1:1-11). What amazes me about this celebration is that we affirm there is a flesh-and-blood human being in heaven, Jesus. I usually think of people who have gone to heaven as being disembodied spirits. And so they are. They are still awaiting the resurrection of the body at the end of time -- but not Jesus. Jesus has his resurrection body already. He stands like a promise that all who trust in him will also share in his resurrection (Romans 8:23). Even more, as a fully human being, Jesus intercedes constantly for us. Having been tried and tempted like we are, and having now gone up into heaven, he is able to sympathize with us and pray for our own successful journey toward heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is constantly sending grace our way. To me, Ascension Day suggests we have a strong connection with heaven through Jesus. His spirit is in us while we are in this world, and our humanity is with him in heaven. One day, when Jesus descends again, our bodies and spirits will be united in glory. Until then, we enjoy a kind of "long distance" relationship. It comforts me, in the challenges of life, to know that Jesus is exalted on high and calling me upwards. Heaven is our destination, so I can live with that view in mind. As the Scriptures say, "set your sights on heaven, where Christ sits..." (Colossians 3:1-3). May God also fill you with hope, as you celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven.
There's Some Body in Heaven
Today is Ascension Thursday. The PCUSA Book of Common Worship explains that "forty days after celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord, near the conclusion of the season of Easter, we commemorate the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven." Today we emphasize that Jesus not only rose bodily from the grave, he also ascended from earth to heaven. The first disciples watched Jesus rise from the earth and disappear into the clouds (Acts 1:1-11). What amazes me about this celebration is that we affirm there is a flesh-and-blood human being in heaven, Jesus. I usually think of people who have gone to heaven as being disembodied spirits. And so they are. They are still awaiting the resurrection of the body at the end of time -- but not Jesus. Jesus has his resurrection body already. He stands like a promise that all who trust in him will also share in his resurrection (Romans 8:23). Even more, as a fully human being, Jesus intercedes constantly for us. Having been tried and tempted like we are, and having now gone up into heaven, he is able to sympathize with us and pray for our own successful journey toward heaven (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is constantly sending grace our way. To me, Ascension Day suggests we have a strong connection with heaven through Jesus. His spirit is in us while we are in this world, and our humanity is with him in heaven. One day, when Jesus descends again, our bodies and spirits will be united in glory. Until then, we enjoy a kind of "long distance" relationship. It comforts me, in the challenges of life, to know that Jesus is exalted on high and calling me upwards. Heaven is our destination, so I can live with that view in mind. As the Scriptures say, "set your sights on heaven, where Christ sits..." (Colossians 3:1-3). May God also fill you with hope, as you celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven.