Our Exalted Lord and Our Commission
Today’s Verse:
Hebrews 4:14 ESV
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Today, on the church calendar, we observe Ascension Day, a pivotal moment in the story of our salvation. Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus, in the presence of His disciples, was taken up into heaven. While this might seem like a departure, it is, in fact, a glorious declaration of His completed work and His ongoing reign.
Ascension Day is not about Jesus leaving us, but about His exaltation. It signifies that Jesus has entered into His full glory and authority in heaven. He is seated at the right hand of God the Father, actively ruling over all creation and interceding for us. This truth brings immense comfort and assurance. Our Savior is not merely a historical figure, but a living, reigning Lord who holds all power and authority.
This also means that the work of salvation is definitely accomplished. Jesus' ascension confirms that His death on the cross fully atoned for our sins, and His resurrection conquered death. There is nothing more to be done for our salvation; it is complete in Him. We can therefore "hold fast our confession" – our faith in Jesus Christ – with unwavering confidence.
Furthermore, Ascension Day reminds us of our own calling. Before He ascended, Jesus commissioned His disciples to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Though He is no longer physically present with us, His Spirit dwells within us, empowering us to continue His mission. We are called to proclaim the good news of His death and resurrection, and His glorious reign, to a world that desperately needs to hear it.
As we reflect on Ascension Day today, let us rejoice in our exalted Lord by giving thanks that Jesus is not just our Savior, but our reigning King, full of power and authority. Find peace in the knowledge that our salvation is secured by His perfect sacrifice and triumphant ascension. And ask God to empower us to be faithful witnesses to His truth and love in our daily lives.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, on this Ascension Day, fill my heart with the joy that Jesus sits at Your right hand awaiting His return. Build me up this day so I can live my life as a redeemed member of Your family, telling and showing all that You’ve done for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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