Ascension
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11
We could not live perfect lives. We all sinned and we all fell short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). In our place, our Substitute kept the law of God. He did not sin. He did not fall short in any way. We deserved death and damnation. Jesus suffered hell (Matthew 27:46) and died in our place (Isaiah 53:5). God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Our sins were fully put to death in His death. His death was our death to sin. His life is ours by His grace. And with that assurance comes the assurance of a resurrection too (1 Corinthians 15:20).
The ascension account in Acts 2 ends with two men clad in white apparel. This usually indicated angels or glorified people (such as Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration or the saints pictured in Revelation). The disciples looked in awe up at the heavens for a look at their departed Savior, but they were told that they would not see Him there. This was no cause for sadness. Rather, it was a statement packed with the greatest of news!
At Jesus’ resurrection, the angel told the women “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” (Matthew 28:6) Now they brought the glorious message to the disciples again: He’s not here! “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Jesus will come again. His resurrection and ascension will be yours as you, too, are brought home at the last!
On Christ’s ascension I now build the hope of mine ascension;
This hope alone has ever stilled all doubt and apprehension;
For where the Head is, there full well I know His members are to dwell
When Christ shall come and call them.
The Lutheran Hymnal 216.1