Christ's Ascension: Our Hope and Present Reality

May 31, 2022

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Reigns at the Right Hand of the Father

Jesus’ ascension means He is now enthroned at the right hand of God, reigning as King and Priest over all creation. This is not just a distant theological truth but a present reality: Jesus, both fully God and fully human, sits in authority, interceding for His people and ruling with power and justice. The imagery of the right hand signifies ultimate authority and honor, and His reign assures us that evil will not have the final word. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, we can take comfort that our Savior is not absent but actively reigning, guiding history toward His good purposes. [07:40]

Psalm 110:1-4 (ESV)
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to remember that Jesus is reigning right now, and how might that change the way you pray or act today?

Day 2: Jesus Intercedes for Us as Our Great High Priest

Because Jesus has ascended, He is our great High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes for us before the Father. He has passed through the heavens and entered the true Holy of Holies, making a way for us to confidently approach God’s throne of grace. No matter our struggles or failures, we have an advocate who understands our temptations and pleads our case, ensuring that mercy and grace are always available in our time of need. This truth invites us to draw near to God with boldness, knowing we are never alone in our spiritual journey. [03:10]

Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Reflection: What is one specific weakness or struggle you need to bring to Jesus today, trusting that He understands and intercedes for you?

Day 3: The Spirit Helps Us in Our Weakness

Jesus’ ascension made way for the Holy Spirit to come, who now dwells within believers and intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Even when we do not know how to pray or what to say, the Spirit prays on our behalf, aligning our hearts with God’s will and working all things together for our good. This means that in our confusion, pain, or silence, God is still at work, and our prayers are never wasted or unheard. The Spirit’s presence is a continual source of hope and strength as we navigate the challenges of life. [12:55]

Romans 8:26-28, 33-34 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. … Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Reflection: When have you felt unable to pray, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to intercede for you in that place today?

Day 4: Jesus Will Return to Judge and Make All Things Right

The promise of Jesus’ return assures us that evil, injustice, and suffering will not last forever; He will come again to judge the living and the dead, righting every wrong and bringing perfect justice. This hope sustains us in a broken world, empowering us to labor for justice, call out evil, and pray for Christ’s return even as we grieve the weight of sin and suffering around us. We are called to live in anticipation, not passivity, trusting that God’s timing is perfect and that His judgment will be both righteous and merciful. [16:56]

Acts 17:30-31 (ESV)
The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

Reflection: Where do you see injustice or evil in the world that breaks your heart, and how can you pray “Come, Lord Jesus” while also working for justice today?

Day 5: Living in Hope and Eager Expectation

Because Jesus will return, believers are called to live in hope, turning from idols to serve the living God and waiting expectantly for Christ’s deliverance. This hope is not passive but active, shaping our love for one another, our perseverance in suffering, and our encouragement to those who grieve. Every time we gather for worship or take the Lord’s Supper, we proclaim that Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again—reminding ourselves that the best is yet to come, and that our present struggles are not the end of the story. [22:24]

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (ESV)
For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Reflection: What is one way you can actively express your hope in Christ’s return today—through encouragement, service, or turning from something that distracts you from Him?

Sermon Summary

Tonight’s focus is on the often-overlooked event of Christ’s ascension, a pivotal moment in the story of redemption. While we give much attention to Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter, the ascension is frequently neglected, even though it is central to understanding where Jesus is now, what he is doing, and what we are to hope for. The ascension is not just a historical footnote; it is the present reality of Christ’s reign and intercession for us.

Psalm 110, the most quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament, reveals the significance of the ascension. “The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” This is the image of Jesus enthroned, reigning as both King and Priest, after the order of Melchizedek. He is not only the divine Son but also the God-man, reigning in heaven, interceding for his people, and holding all authority. The ascension means that Jesus is not absent, but present in a new way—by his Spirit, who intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

The ascension also points us forward. Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. This is not a threat, but a promise of hope and justice. In a world filled with evil, suffering, and injustice, the return of Christ is the assurance that God will set all things right. We are called to labor in hope, to pray for his coming, and to work for justice, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. The Lord’s Supper becomes a foretaste of the great feast to come, a reminder that Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again.

In the meantime, we are not left alone. Jesus, our great High Priest, intercedes for us. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We are invited to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, to receive mercy and find help in our time of need. Our hope is anchored in the reality of Christ’s ascension and his promised return. Even as we face heartbreak and evil, we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus,” trusting that he will make all things new.

Key Takeaways

1. The Ascension Grounds Our Present Hope The ascension is not merely a past event but the ongoing reality of Christ’s reign. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, exercising authority over all creation. This means that, even when the world feels chaotic, we can trust that Christ is sovereign and his purposes will prevail. Our hope is anchored in his present rule, not just his past work. [04:37]
2. Jesus as King and Priest: The Fulfillment of Psalm 110 Jesus fulfills the dual role of King and Priest, as prophesied in Psalm 110 and explained in Hebrews. He is the eternal priest after the order of Melchizedek, mediating for us before the Father. This unique role means that our access to God is secure, and our prayers are heard because Christ himself intercedes for us. [10:45]
3. The Gift of the Spirit Flows from the Ascension Jesus declared it was better for him to leave so that the Holy Spirit could come. The ascension makes possible the outpouring of the Spirit, who now dwells in and empowers believers everywhere. The Spirit intercedes for us, especially when we are weak and do not know how to pray, ensuring that we are never abandoned or alone. [12:55]
4. The Promise of Judgment Is a Promise of Justice Christ’s return to judge the living and the dead is not a threat to be feared, but a promise that evil will not have the last word. In a world marred by violence, oppression, and abuse, the coming judgment assures us that God sees, cares, and will ultimately right every wrong. This hope enables us to persevere in prayer and action, even when justice seems delayed. [16:56]
5. Living Between Ascension and Return: Prayerful Expectation and Faithful Action As we await Christ’s return, we are called to labor in hope, to pray “Come, Lord Jesus,” and to work for justice and mercy. The Lord’s Supper is a foretaste of the coming feast, reminding us that our story is not yet finished. Even in seasons of heartbreak and confusion, we are sustained by the Spirit and anchored by the promise that Christ will come again to make all things new.

** [22:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Apostles’ Creed and the Church Calendar
[02:37] - The Overlooked Importance of the Ascension
[04:37] - Questions the Ascension Answers
[06:00] - Proclaiming the Gospel from the Old Testament
[07:30] - Psalm 110: The Most Quoted Old Testament Passage
[09:45] - Jesus as King and Priest: Melchizedek’s Order
[12:55] - The Ascension and the Gift of the Spirit
[15:40] - Christ’s Present Reign and Intercession
[16:56] - The Promise of Judgment and Justice
[18:03] - Responding to Evil and Suffering
[19:59] - The Hope of Christ’s Return
[22:24] - The Lord’s Supper: A Foretaste of the Feast
[23:23] - The Spirit’s Comfort and Our Prayer
[25:08] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Hope of Christ’s Ascension and Return

Bible Reading

- Psalm 110
- Hebrews 4:14-16
- Acts 1:6-11

Observation Questions

In Psalm 110, what two roles does the Lord assign to the one who sits at His right hand?
According to Hebrews 4:14-16, what does it mean that Jesus is our “great high priest who has gone through the heavens”?
In Acts 1:9-11, what do the angels say to the disciples as they watch Jesus ascend? What promise do they give?
The sermon mentioned that the ascension is often overlooked compared to Christmas and Easter. What reasons were given for why the ascension matters? [[02:37]]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus is both King and Priest, as described in Psalm 110 and explained in Hebrews? How does this affect our relationship with God? [[09:45]]
The sermon said that Jesus’ ascension means he is not absent, but present in a new way through the Spirit. What does this mean for how we experience God today? [[12:55]]
The promise of Christ’s return is described as a promise of justice, not just judgment. How does this change the way we think about evil and suffering in the world? [[16:56]]
The Lord’s Supper is called a “foretaste” of the coming feast. What does this image communicate about our present and future hope? [[22:24]]

Application Questions

The ascension grounds our present hope because Jesus is reigning now, even when the world feels chaotic. Is there a specific area of your life or the world where you struggle to trust that Christ is in control? How can you remind yourself of his present reign this week? [[04:37]]
Jesus is described as our high priest who intercedes for us. When was the last time you brought your needs or weaknesses to Jesus in prayer, trusting that he understands and prays for you? What keeps you from doing this more often? [[12:55]]
The sermon said the Spirit helps us in our weakness and prays for us when we don’t know what to say. Can you think of a recent time when you felt too weak or confused to pray? How might you lean on the Spirit’s help in those moments? [[12:55]]
Christ’s return is a promise that God will set all things right. Are there injustices or heartbreaks in your life or in the world that you long for Jesus to fix? How can you pray “Come, Lord Jesus” with hope, not just frustration? [[16:56]]
The sermon encouraged us to labor in hope and work for justice, knowing our efforts are not in vain. Is there a specific way you feel called to act for justice or mercy in your community? What is one step you can take this month? [[18:03]]
The Lord’s Supper is a reminder that “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” How does this three-part story shape the way you approach your daily life, especially in hard times? [[22:24]]
The preacher mentioned praying “Come, Lord Jesus” more earnestly as he gets older and faces more heartbreak. Is there a prayer or phrase that helps you hold onto hope when life is hard? Would you be willing to share it with the group? [[23:23]]

Sermon Clips

“We take great comfort and we have weeks of anticipation and celebration for Christmas, don't we? We make a whole season out of it. Right, as Easter gets close, each week we kind of build with excitement and we have Holy Week, a whole week to kind of dwell upon that moment. But the Ascension is something that we don't put as much emphasis on, right? We could really easily proclaim the gospel out of any of those events, right? Like, Jesus came to earth to save us. That's Christmas. He died on the cross for our sins. That's great. He rose on the dead in order that we might live. He's coming again to save us. But what about the Ascension? Do we feel like we could proclaim the gospel out of that? Well, again, I just highlight to say, we sometimes don't give it the airtime, perhaps, that it is due.”

“But here's what some of the questions that the Ascension can help us answer. One, where's Jesus right now? Where is he? Second, what is he doing right now? Third, what is he waiting for? Why does he come back? And then when will he return? And then finally, what should we do? If we find ourselves needing him, I'm not going to go question by question tonight. But those are some of the things that if we're wondering why is this important, those are some of the questions that it answered.”

“It's something that Jesus would say, uh whenever he uh whenever Jesus uh is um talking to the pharisees they're like okay well uh you know who is the christ who does the christ come from because they knew their old testaments they knew that the christ was descendant of david and jesus says if he's descended from david how does david call him my lord notice there are two lords david wrote the psalm the lord yahweh said to my lord who is david's lord as he stood before pontius pilot he said he said you will see the son of man seated at the right hand of the father again it comes from psalm 110 kind of emerging that with the son of man from daniel chapter 7 or on the day of pentecost remember peter preaches his sermon he's preaching the gospel from the old testament now i will say they didn't have the new testament written yet so that's why they were doing that a lot but they he preaches on joel too but then he gets to his kind of point of application and he quotes from three verses out of psalm or over the course of three verses quotes from psalm 110 just to demonstrate that jesus is enthroned at the right hand of the father that's where he reigns as the king of the universe and later he demonstrates that it refers to jesus's exaltation the fact that he should receive glory in the future.”

“He currently whenever jesus ascended into heaven he is now the reigning over all of the universe as not only god but as the god man he's still in heaven as a human uh who sits by the father and one day we'll come again to victoriously again that second point who will put all of his enemies under his feet first timothy or first corinthians 5 25 all of his enemies will be subjected to him and he will reign uh we know that he intercedes for us colossians 3 1 if then you have been raised with christ set your mind on things above where christ is seated at the right hand of god.”

“The right hand is the image of a king right who uh is saying to his heir or his co -regent that you have my authority you have my power you have my blessing but there's more than that right it's it so psalm 110 tells the story of a king who defeats his enemies remember how psalm 2 begins why should the nation say where is their god uh well that's actually psalm 150 i think actually both psalm 2 and 115 start with that but why should the nation's rage and the people's plot in vain those nations what psalm 10 says will be subdued by the one whom the lord will send namely his son and the reign has begun.”

“And as the divine human Lord, Hebrews 6, 9, says that we have a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul, a hope that enters into the place behind the curtain. So again, this is what it means for Jesus to be in heaven with God.”

“And again, we also have to think, what did Jesus say about this? Because he said, I think, one of the most ludicrous things that Jesus ever came out of Jesus' mouth, if we were in the room with him and he told it to us, we would say, you know, Jesus, you're Lord of the universe, you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and you're wrong. Because he says in John 6, verse 7, it's better that I leave.”

“But why does he, how is it better? He tells them, if I don't leave, then I can't send you the helper, the comforter, which we know to be the Holy Spirit. Right? If Jesus, if there's, if Jesus is here on earth, that means that Jesus can only be here. Right? He can help us in the room. But Jesus has a lot more people to help. As the Lord of the universe, he intercedes for us.”

“So our salvation is bound up in the fact that the Spirit's interceding. We go down to verse 34.Verse 33, Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died. More than that, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”

“So Jesus being in heavens, the word that we read earlier from Hebrews 4, he has passed through the heavenlies. There is a heavenly temple, which is an image of the earthly temple, or really it's the other way around. The earthly temple is an image of the heavenly temple. There's the Holy of Holies that only one person can go in one time a year. And Jesus goes in there. He sits down by the Father. And therefore, while he's by the Father, he's praying for us. And it means that we have someone to whom we can go to.”

“I asked the question earlier, what should we do if we need him? What do we do in the present if we need the Lord? Well, we can pray to him, knowing that our request will come before the Father.”

“So Jesus has ascended to the right hand of the Father. He's seated at the right hand of the Father. That means his work is done. That means that he reigns with the Father.”

“But the Bible does tell us that God is the judge of all the earth. Again, we read a passage like Psalm 110 even. Again, so often spoken of in the New Testament about Jesus, and it's very clear that the king here whom we're talking about will defeat his enemies. It's kind of similar to language that we would find in Revelation 19, where Jesus shows up on a white horse, and with a legion of angels goes and defeats all the proponents of evil.”

“Well, we do a few things. One, all of this bathed in prayer, clothed in prayer, we labor in hope, believing that the Lord will right all of these wrongs at some point in the future. We call out abuse. We name evil specifically. We work to eradicate these atrocities with the Holy Spirit's strength. But we also pray this prayer. And I think it's fitting to pray this, not on a day when you're just feeling tired, but especially in particular when we're feeling the weight of evil. This prayer that is really almost the last word of God in the New Testament. It's not the word of God. It's a word that John says. If you read, it's the last word in the Bible. Revelation chapter 22, verse 20. Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

“This should break our hearts, but we look forward to the day when Jesus will come and make all things right. And this is what the angels told Jesus. Again, we go back to Acts chapter 1. We think in Acts chapter 1, Jesus ascends into heaven, and we have this commission from him. Go ye therefore into all the world, making disciples, beginning in Jerusalem, and going to Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. We have this great commission from Jesus.”

“This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come in the same way you saw him go into heaven. He's going to come back. This is our hope. Remember, hope is that expectation we have of what God is going to do in the future. It means, how is he going to come in the same way? He's going to come bodily. He's going to come visibly. And he's going to come with angels. Again, to defeat the powers of evil. And whenever Jesus defeats evil, what does it also mean? It means that he saves his own.”

“We praise God because, as 1 Thessalonians 1, 9 and 10 said, We turn to God from idols to serve the living and the true God. And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead. Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. We wait for his Son. All the while we pray, come Lord Jesus.”

“The Lord's Supper is like the hors d 'oeuvres of the wedding feast of the Lamb. Go read Revelation 19, and you see this picture of a bridegroom coming to have a feast with his bride. And the bride, we're told, is the church. And there's going to be a banquet there. That's the image the Bible uses of what it's going to be like whenever we're with him. And the Lord's Supper is like the hors d 'oeuvres. It's just a foretaste. Especially if it's just a little crackers and juice. I mean, imagine a feast compared to that. It's going to be great. But we pray for the Lord to come now.”

“And the older I get, I'm not very old, but the older that I get, the more eagerly I pray that prayer. Stuff happens. Stuff happens in your own life. Stuff happens in the world. And it's heartbreaking. Sometimes it happens at such a pace that you can't even keep up with it in your prayers. You don't know how to pray. But we pray this prayer. Come, Lord Jesus.”

“We also take comfort in the fact that because Jesus went to be with God in heaven, he sent his spirit to us. The spirit groans for us. Even when we don't know what words to say. Because Jesus sent his spirit to us.”

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