3. THE ASCENSION | FROM THE RESURRECTION TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH
After appearing to His disciples for forty days, Jesus led them to the Mount of Olives. There, before their eyes, He was taken up into heaven.
Scripture declares: "After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him." (Acts 1:9)
The Ascension does not mark the end of Jesus' work. It marks a transition.
- Jesus returned to the Father
- The disciples now receive responsibility for the mission
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus reminded them that the promise of the Holy Spirit was about to be fulfilled. The disciples could no longer depend on His physical presence. They now had to walk by faith, in obedience, and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Ascension establishes an essential reality:
Jesus reigns. And His Church is called to continue the mission He began.
KEY PRINCIPLE
God often prepares a new season by first ending the previous one.
QUESTION
Are you resisting a transition that God is using to prepare you for what comes next?
DECLARATION
Jesus Christ reigns at the right hand of the Father. And His mission continues through His Church.
Jesus is Lord!