The Ascension of Christ: Episode Four
What’s the big deal about Jesus’ departure from earth and back to heaven, well, it’s important because He was our Forerunner; He went first and we follow. That’s crucial.
Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting His hands to heaven, He blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up to heaven. Luke 24:50-51
What does it mean, “He blessed them?” In Hebrew the blessing is actually an empowerment to experience multiplication, productivity, and abundance. It’s as if Jesus’ last act on earth was reminding them of the blessings found in Him. They’d have everything they need in life and ministry as they awaited His return. In verse 49 He instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father, when they were ‘clothed’ or empowered to complete any mission they were given. It’s true for all believers today; whatever God tells you to do He blesses it with power, multiplication, productivity, and abundance.
This was the climax of Jesus’ earthly mission and now, as our Forerunner, He connects earth to heaven reigning as King and we follow, joining Him there.
… and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7
At His departure He handed out spiritual gifts that were energized by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the One who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
Ephesians 4:8-10
The Apostle’s Creed declares that ‘He descended into hell’ and now we see why. He showed Himself to Satan and set free those who believed in Him since the beginning of time. Adam and Eve, Abraham, David, etc. were all waiting for the promised Messiah to pay the ransom with His own blood in order for them to be reunited with Yahweh: God.
But what gifts did He give out? Read Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Cor. 12-14 and you’ll find a variety of spiritual gifts He wants us to understand and use for everyone’s good. The Spirit matches the gift to the individual and empowers it so we can encourage, care for, and build up His Church.
As our Forerunner into heaven in bodily form He secured the promise of our future ascension and that’s what we’re waiting for. As our Intercessor Christ descended from heaven to earth bringing God to humanity and ascended to bring humanity to God. I echo the prophet Isaiah,
”Oh that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence—“ Isaiah 64:1
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