From Ben – 16 May 2021
You may not have been aware that this past Thursday was a very significant day in the Christian calendar. It was Ascension Day. That is the day that we remember when Jesus went up to heaven to commence His new work for us as our heavenly advocate, intercessor and heavenly helper.
The ascension of Jesus is simply but clearly recorded in Acts 1:9. For us, as God’s people, this event not only marks the end of Jesus’ earthly mission, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of those who trust Him; it also marks the commencement of His new work for us in the place of power, at the right hand of the Father.
It is from this place of power He directs and leads His church to spread across the world. This glorious ascension of our Lord also marks the age of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to ascend to heaven before the Holy Spirit was released to be resident in the life of every Christian.
This new dynamic role of the Holy Spirit’s empowering the church started on the Day of Pentecost. It was in John 16 that Jesus made it quite clear that only once He has ascended to heaven will the Holy Spirit be sent into the church and lives of every believer.
As we ponder these wonderful truths about the ascension of our Lord, will you take a moment to whisper a prayer of gratitude to the Lord that His plan was perfectly fulfilled, and that we are not left as orphans, but He has given us another comforter, His blessed Holy Spirit.