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Jesus the King

May 24,  2009  - Ian

Happy Ascension Sunday! The Ascension of Jesus is often forgotten as a time to celebrate as Christians (even with a public holiday on the day). We rightly celebrate Jesus’ death and his resurrection and maybe even Pentecost gets a mention but we seem to forget the importance of Jesus leaving earth and going to the heavenly Father and sitting in the seat of power and influence – the right hand.

Our Apostles and Nicene Creed remind us that Jesus “ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father”, but why do we forget?

Could it be that we forget why it is important! Why is it vital? Here are a few reasons;

1. It means that Jesus sends the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is another counsellor just like Jesus and even better than Jesus because he is everywhere but Jesus is limited to one place and time. So if Jesus stayed on earth then the Holy would not have arrived.

 

2. Jesus gives all of us gifts. Often a newly crowned king will receive gifts, but Jesus is such a generous ruler that he gives us gifts, see Ephesians 4.

 

3. It means that Jesus becomes king and judge. Daniel 7 tells us that the Son of Man comes to God and is given authority to judge.

 

4. It means that Jesus rules this world. Acts 2:36 and Psalm 110 explains that it is only when Jesus comes to the heavenly Father that he receives authority to reign until all his enemies are made a cushion for his feet.

These are all excellent reasons to rejoice, to celebrate with other Christians and to have a pubic holiday, because Jesus has ascended is at God’s right hand. Happy Ascension Sunday!

Ian