For 40 days after Jesus Christ’s resurrection, He proved He was (and IS!) alive and taught about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3).
Then Christ was (the Ascension):
- Lifted up (Acts 1:9)
- Taken up in glory (1 Timothy 3:16)
- Exalted to the right hand of God (the place of power and authority) (Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:3)
- Seated (crowned) far above all rule and authority and power and dominion (Ephesians 1:21,22; Hebrews 2:7,9)
- Highly exalted (Philippians 2:9)
- Given a name that is above every name (Ephesians 1:21)
- Made head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1:22)
What is the Lord Jesus Christ doing now?
- Preparing a place for us (believers) so we will be where He is (John 14:3)
- Heading the church, ministering and judging (Revelation 2-3)
- Interceding, advocating, and mediating for us (our Great High Priest) Romans 8:34; 1 John 2:1; 1 Timothy 2:5)
- And more after the next event on the historical calendar: Sending the Holy Spirit.
What does Christ’s ascension mean for us?
I came to saving faith when I heard the gospel systematically preached, learned about Jesus’ life, recognized my sin, and realized His enormous sacrifice for me. The magnitude of the torture, brutality, and horrible execution to a truly good Christ overwhelmed me.
Jesus of Nazareth was winsome and approachable. The little children came to Him. His love drew me to Him.
When John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, saw the exalted Lord Jesus Christ, he fell at His feet like a dead man. (Revelation 1:17)
The exalted Lord Jesus Christ continues to:
- Call us: “Come unto Me.”
- Love us.
- Guard and keep us.
- Pray for us.
- Serve as our Great High Priest.
- Prepare a place for us in heaven that we may be where He is.
Our exalted Lord Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest, who was tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) He is sympathetic, merciful, and faithful on our behalf. We can draw near with confidence, knowing the Lord Jesus Christ is the sovereign Lord and also our loving priest.
But don’t forget: Jesus Christ is God, exalted above all.
Praise our Lord Jesus Christ, King, Lord, and Ruler over all.
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Father, we praise You for raising Christ from the dead, seating Him at Your right hand, and making Him King, Lord, and Ruler over all. We praise You, Lord Jesus, for saving us and keeping us. We are so grateful You continually intercede for us. We praise You that You are preparing a place for us. Help us grasp that everything is in subjection under Your feet, that You care for us, and that we can have Your peace in the midst of our trials. Help us live out this truth.
