Mid-Week Musings

May 8, 2024

Suggested Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Dear NBRC Family & Friends,

In the church, Ascension Day this year is Thursday, May 9. It’s the day we commemorate Jesus having been taken up into heaven following His resurrection.

Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday. In churches that don’t recognize it on the actual day, it’s often observed the following Sunday. Nestled between Easter and Pentecost, Ascension Day often gets overlooked, even though the ascension of Jesus is referred to in the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds.

The Heidelberg Catechism teaches about the significance Jesus’ ascension into heaven has forbelievers in Q/A 49.

What benefit do we receive from Christ’s ascension into heaven?

First, that he is our Advocate in the presence of his Father in heaven. Second, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that he, as the Head, will also take us, his members, up to himself. Third, that he sends us his Spirit as a counterpledge by whose power we seek what is above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God, and not things that are on earth.

Not only was Jesus taken into heaven, but the angels indicated to those who watched Him ascend that He will come again! How surprised were His disciples by His departure? How surprised will some people be by His return?

Pastor Ron

Prayer suggestion: As you pray, ask God to help you better understand the significance that Jesus’ ascension into heaven has for believers.

(On Sunday morning, May 12, 2024, the sermon title will be Between Ascension and Pentecost. The Scripture lesson will be from Acts 1:12-26.)