Amazement, Ascension and Authority

As we waited to board our flight back to Orlando last week, Haleth took an interest in the runway. She really enjoyed watching the comings and goings of the airplanes outside the window. I also find it fascinating (if not unnerving) to watch and consider how we can get tons of metal to soar through the air. I know it's all about physics and aeronautics and aerodynamics etc., but still ... it's amazing.

Today is Ascension Day, and I think about how amazed the disciples must have been when Jesus' ascended to heaven right before their eyes. Scripture confirms that they were amazed to the extent that they just stood staring into the sky after Jesus was gone. It must have been especially astonishing because nothing flew back then except the birds. But the flight of birds and airplanes are alike in that they are both attributable to the same laws of physics.

Jesus' ascension, on the other hand, went beyond the natural laws of the world. Even so, his ability to ascend is not the reason we commemorate this day. Rather his ascension marks other realities, especially his return to the Father's right hand and thereby his authority. He makes that point abundantly clear just before his ascension, saying: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

Friends, for Christians there is no news better than the truth that our Lord and Savior has all authority in heaven and earth. It's such good news, in fact, that Jesus in the next verse makes it the mission of the Church to share it with everyone.

Would you take a few minutes today to consider Jesus’ ascension? Allow the truth of his all-encompassing authority to bring comfort to your heart in the midst of your trials and stresses. And as this truth settles in your spirit, pray that God would open the door for you to share the good news of Jesus’ lordship with someone else.

Fr. Darin+