based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation w3d4
Scripture and Observation
Read: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 4:10
After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.
Acts 1:9
And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
Ephesians 4:10
While verse 9 is our focus verse today, verse 3 is the one that captured my attention. Luke writes, “During the forty days after Jesus suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.” – To borrow from some words by the group Mercy Me – “I can only imagine” what those days and conversations were like. I imagine they ranged from confusing to exciting and left them with questions. Yet those emotions must have paled in comparison to the thoughts and feelings they had when Jesus was taken up right before their eyes. Jesus, this one who had walked and talked with them for three years, training them how to live and love like Him, teaching them about the Father, and showing them how to die to self and live for God, is “lifted up” into a cloud while they were watching. Oh, what they must have felt and imagined when they could no longer see Him.
I can’t help but think how wonderful it would have been to hear those final explanations and instructions and to see His miraculous ascension. However, God has given us His Word, which beautifully illustrates not only the ascension but also where He went and why, shedding light and hope on the importance of His departure.
“This moment signifies the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry and the beginning of His heavenly reign. His ascension serves as His royal coronation, declaring HIm the King of Kings.”
LGG Journal, Firm Foundation p105
Because the ascension of Christ is so vital to the foundation of our faith – I have chased a few Scripture Squirrels and am sharing some helpful explanations from today’s LGG journal entry – I encourage you to take time to read them and consider the great blessing and outcome of the ascension of Jesus Christ
We know from Scripture that right now, the Lord Jesus is in heaven. The Scriptures frequently picture Him at the right hand of the Father-a position of honor and authority (Psalm 110:1; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 8:1). Christ is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), the giver of spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7-8), and the One who fills all in all (Ephesians 4:9-10). Without Him, we can do nothing, but through Him, all things are possible!
Living it Out, the Application of the Journey
From His exalted position, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon the church. This gift empowers us to live out our faith and continue His mission on earth. Although Jesus is not physically present with us, He remains spiritually present, continually advocating and interceding for us.
The ascension also brings us great comfort and hope as we navigate our earthly lives. We know where Jesus is. He will return to establish His Kingdom on earth and to judge the world. This assurance helps us to put the challenges and worries of this world into perspective. Jesus is preparing a place for us, just as He promised in John 14.
Jesus’ ascension compels us to live with an eternal perspective. We are urged to anticipate the day when we will be with Him in our heavenly home. This hope is not just a passive belief but a transformative force that can and should shape our lives, enabling us to live with joy for the future, a future that is bright and secure.
LGG Journal, Firm Foundation p105
Prayer of Response for the Journey
Father, thank You for all the days Jesus walked this earth and for all that He taught us and did for us. Jesus, thank You for Your ascension. Help me to live in the power of Your Spirit and with the hope of our future home with You. I take great comfort in knowing You are present with me and in Your sovereign reign. – In Jesus’ name, Amen
Me From the Inside Out 