Today the Church marks Ascension Day, remembering that forty days after His resurrection, our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father (Acts 1:9–11). The ascension is not the story of Christ leaving His people behind, but of Christ taking His throne. The One who humbled Himself unto death has now been exalted above every name (Philippians 2:8–11). The crucified and risen Jesus now exercises His perfect office as our Prophet, Priest, and King.
As our Prophet, Christ still speaks. Moses foretold that God would raise up a greater Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15), and Hebrews tells us that “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2). From His heavenly throne, Jesus continues to teach and shepherd His people by His Spirit through His Word.
As our Priest, Christ intercedes for us. Having offered Himself once for sins, He entered the heavenly places on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24–26). Even now, “he always lives to make intercession” for His people (Hebrews 7:25). Our ascended Savior carries our names before the Father continually.
As our King, Christ reigns over all things. The Father has seated Him “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (Ephesians 1:20–22). His kingdom cannot be shaken, and all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him (Matthew 28:18).
Ascension Day reminds us that Christianity is not merely the memory of a great teacher from the past. Jesus Christ is alive, reigning, interceding, and speaking even now.
“God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.”— Psalm 47:5
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