We talk a lot in the Church about Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter. But one of the most overlooked essentials of our faith is the Ascension of Jesus. It tends to fly under the radar—no major holiday, no hallmark decorations, no big public celebration. And yet, without it, the saving work of Christ is incomplete.
On Ascension Sunday, we paused to remember that Jesus not only died and rose again—he ascended into heaven. He now reigns from the right hand of the Father, and that changes everything.
The Ascension Is Not Optional
As Protestants, we’re used to disagreements and denominational differences. But historic Christianity has always drawn a line around a few core beliefs—the essentials. And the Ascension is one of them.
The Ascension means that Jesus, fully human and fully divine, is seated in glory. It means we have a high priest, a mediator, a representative in the throne room of God. If Jesus doesn’t go up, the Holy Spirit doesn’t come down. And if the Spirit doesn’t come down, the Church has no power, and we remain stuck in our sin.
Revelation 1: A Vision of the Risen and Reigning Christ
Instead of focusing on the event of the Ascension (as in Acts 1), we turned to Revelation 1:12–20 to see what Jesus is doing now—reigning in glory, walking among the churches.
John hears a voice and turns to see Jesus in his glorified form, standing among seven golden lampstands (symbolizing the Church). His robe fills the space. His eyes blaze like fire. His voice thunders. He holds stars in his right hand. His presence is overwhelming.
This vision reminds us that Jesus is not absent—he is ascended. He is not distant—he is present. He walks among his people, even in their suffering, even when it feels like the world is falling apart.
Why the Ascension Matters Today
- It means Jesus is always with us. His bodily presence is no longer bound to one place and time. Because he ascended, he can be with all his people, everywhere.
- It means Jesus reigns. He is exalted far above all earthly powers. His robe is long, his feet like bronze, his voice like many waters—he is the King.
- It means Jesus intercedes. As our great High Priest, he represents us before the Father. We don’t enter God’s presence based on our goodness but his righteousness.
- It means the Spirit has come. His going up made way for the Holy Spirit to come down, empowering us for holy living and mission.
- It means he’s coming again. The Ascension anticipates his return—no longer as the suffering servant, but as the righteous Judge.
From Shame to Conviction
In Revelation, Jesus has a sword coming from his mouth—a symbol of his Word, sharp and discerning. Unlike the river of shame that flows from the mouth of the dragon (Revelation 12), Jesus’s Word pierces with precision. The Holy Spirit doesn’t overwhelm us with guilt; he convicts us with clarity. He gently shows us where we need healing, where sin needs to be cut away.
So I’ll leave you with a question we ended with in worship: Where is Jesus cutting on you? Where is the Spirit gently putting his finger and saying, “This doesn’t belong here. Let me heal it.”
Don’t wait. Ask Jesus to judge you now—lovingly, precisely—so that you’re ready when he returns in glory.
