Ephesians 1:22
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love] toward all the saints, and for this reason 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.
20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. 22 And God has put all things under Christ's feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Ascension Thursday
To paraphrase the Heidelberg Catechism, we move from Christmas-Incarnation with the mystery of Spirit in Flesh, to Ascension, with the mystery of Flesh in Spirit.
Although the Solemnity of the Ascension is on the fortieth day of Easter, a Thursday, since most people don't attend worship on weekdays, churches usually observe Ascension three days later, on the seventh Sunday of Easter.
Ascension or ascendancy declares Jesus Christ's authority, rule, reign, stewardship, lordship, and sovereignty. You may have noticed "authority" is a big deal in Mark's gospel? As Ephesians 1:20 does, we sometimes express that reality by saying Jesus is "seated at God's right hand." Unlike human governments and different from aspects of life any of us have a bit of authority over, with Jesus there are no checks and balances. His authority, his ascendancy is absolute.
As we revisit and relive salvation history, the Savior's ascension means we're really getting ready to celebrate the indwelling Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the Fiftieth day of Easter. That renewed awareness helps us prepare for the half year long Time of the Church, Season of the Spirit when we act as Jesus' representatives everywhere—and we count Sundays after Pentecost.
Where We Live
Ephesians 1:20 explains, "God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places." This power, this immeasurable greatness (v.19) is the Spirit of Resurrection from the dead!
What does it mean for us that Jesus has ascended? Jesus' lordship and authority means we possess the forgiveness and new life God offers us in and through Christ. Jesus' reign or ascendancy means we're able to live in the fully human way Jesus showed us, caring for our human neighbors, stewarding creation, respecting ourselves as image-bearers of the Divine, all in ways Jesus has taught us. Because of Jesus' ascension, we share Jesus' own authority as the Holy Spirit guides us.
Jesus Christ's ascension means hope for the future and abundant blessings for all creation. Because of the Savior's ascendancy, the power of the Holy Spirit of life is ours.
Heidelberg Catechism again:
• Why is the Son of God called Jesus, meaning Savior…?
• Why is the Son of God called Christ, meaning Anointed…?
• But why are you called a Christian?
Because by faith I share in Christ's anointing, and I am anointed to reign with Christ over all creation for all eternity.
May the crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus Christ reign in all of our lives!
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