In the Christian calendar, Ascension Day is on May 29 this year. After 40 days of appearing to His disciples and teaching them about the Kingdom of God, Jesus ascended into heaven before their very eyes.
His departure was not an end; it was a transition. It marked the beginning of the Church’s mission with a promise: “You will receive power…” (Acts 1:8).
Ascension Day is a powerful reminder that Jesus is enthroned in glory, and that we are His witnesses on earth.
First, embrace the authority of Jesus Christ.
The disciples were still expecting a political kingdom. They asked, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus gently redirected them, not to political timelines, but to spiritual power and global mission.
The ascended Christ is seated at the right hand of God, reigning with all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). His rule is not limited by geography or human government. It is eternal and universal. As believers, we are under the authority of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Second, receive the power of the Holy Spirit.
Before Jesus ascended, He gave a clear mission: “You will be my witnesses…” But He also gave a promise: “You will receive power…” (Acts 1). The Spirit would not just dwell in them but also would empower them for bold witness across nations.
The Church was not left powerless after Jesus ascended. The Holy Spirit is the continuing presence of Jesus in the world today. The Spirit equips, convicts, strengthens, and emboldens us to proclaim Christ.
The same Spirit that empowered the apostles is available to you today: ask, receive, and act.
Third, focus on the mission.
As Jesus ascended, the disciples gazed into the sky. Then two angels appeared and said: “Why do you stand looking into heaven? This same Jesus… will come again.” The message was clear: do not get stuck staring upward but to get moving outward.
Christ will return but until then, we are called to be His witnesses. Sometimes, we get distracted by waiting, worrying, or wondering. But Ascension Day calls us to mission, not idleness. The Gospel must go to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth and that includes our neighborhoods, schools, offices, and homes. | NWI
