#185 THE PURPOSE OF HIS ASCENSION 9-24-26
Jesus did not ascend into heaven because His work was finished in the sense that nothing remained for His people to do. He ascended because His earthly ministry was moving into a new dimension. He returned to the Father, took His place at the right hand of God, and continues to work through His people. His Ascension points our eyes upward while giving our feet something to do here below. There is purpose in His going. He went to prepare a people, prepare a place, and prepare a party.
TO PREPARE A PEOPLE
Jesus ascended, but He did not leave His people without purpose. He gave His followers a mission. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The risen Christ commissioned His disciples to make disciples, teach His commandments, and bear witness to Him (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). The church is a people being shaped by Christ for the work of Christ. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). He is preparing a people who will love, serve, teach, encourage, forgive, and carry His message into the world.
TO PREPARE A PLACE
Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). His Ascension reminds us that heaven is not merely an idea or a metaphor. Christ went to the Father, and our hope is connected to where He is. Paul wrote that Christ “was received up into glory” (1 Timothy 3:16). The One who promised to prepare a place is Himself our way to that place. “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). We live here, but our hope reaches beyond here. We work in this world while waiting for the fulfillment of what Christ has promised.
TO PREPARE A PARTY
The Bible gives us pictures of celebration surrounding the victory and reign of Christ. Jesus compared the kingdom to a great feast (Luke 14:15-24). Revelation speaks of the marriage supper of the Lamb: “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory” (Revelation 19:7). The story of redemption is moving toward celebration. The Savior who came through a manger, walked the dusty roads of Galilee, suffered the cross, conquered the grave, and ascended to the Father is worthy of the praise of His people. Heaven will not be a funeral. It will be joy in the presence of the King.
The Ascension tells us that Jesus is not absent. He is exalted. He is reigning. He is interceding for His people (Hebrews 7:25). And His people have work to do while they wait. So let us prepare the people, trust the promise of the place, and look forward to the party. Christ has gone up, but the story is not over. He is preparing His people for the place He has prepared, and one day the joy will be complete.
_____________
Lord Jesus, help us to be the people You have called us to be. Give us strength to serve You faithfully while we are here, hope as we look toward the place You have prepared, and joy as we anticipate the celebration that awaits Your people. Keep our eyes on You until faith becomes sight and hope becomes reality. Amen.
BDD
