Ascension Day proclaims the Lordship of Christ.

On Ascension Day, this year celebrated on Thursday 5 May, we proclaim that Jesus is our Lord. That he died for our sins and has been raised from the dead.

He is alive forever, and ascended into heaven, where he was enthroned at the right hand of God the Father and has all authority in heaven and on earth.

We have an advocate in heaven.

He listens to our prayers.

He will crush all his enemies.

He will come again.

Therefore, we must go and make disciples of all nations

and serve him with love, obedience, reverence and in worship till our life's end.

The Ascension of Christ proclaims his authority over all.  1 Peter 3:22 says that Christ “has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him”  And Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. Matthew 28:18-20.

Ascension Day proclaims the Lordship of Christ in every area of life. Jesus has all authority. Jesus is Lord over the world of business, sports, entertainment and government. Jesus Christ is Lord over the Church, schools, shops, entertainment, manufacturing, public service, justice and parliament and law enforcement.

Every professional, worker, manager, teacher, policeman, politician, business person, mother, father, and every person in authority or under authority is individually accountable to God and will one day give account of their lives before the almighty Christ, Lord, King and Judge who reigns in heaven and has dominion over everything.

Ascension Day is a glorious celebration of and holy reminder and assurance that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14

The Ascension of Jesus celebrates both the forgiveness through - and the victory of Christ.

Ps 110: 1 reads: “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’”

The Ascension of the Lord Jesus proclaims the ultimate victory of Christ and proclaims that he is the King of kings, the Lord of lords and the Head of the Church.   Whoever refuses to bow before Christ as only Saviour today, while grace and forgiveness are still freely available, will one day have to bow before Christ as the eternal Judge, and without forgiveness will be lost forever!

The Ascension of Jesus Christ comforts all believers amidst their struggles and especially those who suffer persecution. But the Bible says, “Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has gone through the Heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the Faith we profess.” Hebrews 4:14.

We have an Advocate in Heaven. He hears our prayers. He intercedes for us.

He will come again. He will defeat every authority that repudiates him and questions his pre-eminence.

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”   Philippians 2:9-11.

May the Lord bless, keep and sustain us and grant us a blessed Ascension Day and empowering Pentecost!