Embracing the Ascension: Hope, Spirit, and Renewal

Devotional

Day 1: The Ascension Unites Our Humanity with Christ’s Divinity

The Ascension is not just a distant event but a profound mystery in which Jesus, after his resurrection and forty days with the apostles, takes our human nature into heaven, uniting it with his divinity. This act assures us that where Christ has gone, we too are called to follow, and it fills us with hope that our ultimate destiny is to be with God. The Ascension is a promise that our lives have a heavenly purpose, and it invites us to keep our eyes fixed on where Christ leads, especially when earthly things try to pull us down. [01:40]

Acts 1:9-11 (ESV)
And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to lift your gaze from earthly concerns and fix your eyes on the hope of heaven today?

Day 2: The Holy Spirit—The Promise of the Father

Jesus ascended not to leave us alone, but to send the promised Holy Spirit, the very love of God poured into our hearts. The Holy Spirit is present and available to us at every moment, empowering us to live out our faith, hope, and love, and to walk with purpose even when life feels overwhelming or out of our control. By calling upon the Holy Spirit, we are reminded that we are never abandoned, and that God’s presence dwells within us, ready to guide, comfort, and transform us. [03:50]

John 14:16-17 (ESV)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally called upon the Holy Spirit for help? Can you pause today and invite Him into a specific situation you’re facing?

Day 3: Stirring Up the Spirit in Daily Life

Receiving the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event; sometimes, the Spirit needs to be stirred up in our hearts, especially when we feel disconnected, discouraged, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. In those moments, we are invited to make simple acts of faith, trusting that God’s love and presence are always with us, and that the Spirit can transform our responses and attitudes, helping us to live with joy and purpose. Even if we have neglected prayer or feel behind in our spiritual journey, it is never too late to start again and ask the Holy Spirit to renew us. [06:10]

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to “fan into flame” the gift of the Holy Spirit today, and what is one practical step you can take to do so?

Day 4: The Spirit Empowers Us Beyond Our Own Strength

We often like to be in control, but the truth is that many things in life are beyond our human ability. The Holy Spirit is given to us precisely for those moments when we feel weak, frustrated, or unable to handle what comes our way. By surrendering control and inviting the Spirit to work within us, we can respond to difficulties with grace, patience, and even joy, trusting that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. [05:00]

Romans 8:26 (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.

Reflection: Where do you feel most out of control or weak right now? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in that specific area today?

Day 5: We Are Sent to Share God’s Love

Just as the apostles were transformed by the Holy Spirit and sent out to share the gospel without fear, we too are called to bring Jesus with us wherever we go—into our homes, workplaces, and communities. The Spirit equips us to be witnesses of God’s love, not necessarily through grand missions, but through everyday encounters and acts of kindness. When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, we become instruments of God’s presence and love in the world. [08:30]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection: Who is one person you will encounter this week that you can intentionally share God’s love with, either through words or actions?

Sermon Summary

Today, we reflect on the profound mystery of the Ascension—Jesus’ return to the Father after forty days of appearing to the disciples following His resurrection. This event is not just a historical moment but a living reality that shapes our journey of faith. Jesus’ Ascension is the bridge between His resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In His going, He does not abandon us; rather, He prepares the way for us and promises the gift of the Holy Spirit, the very love of God poured into our hearts.

The Ascension reveals that our humanity, united to Christ, is now present in heaven. Where He has gone, we are called to follow. This is the source of our hope: that our lives are not meant to be earthbound, but are destined for union with God. The theological virtues—faith, hope, and love—are not abstract ideas but living gifts that connect us to God even now. Faith in the resurrection assures us that sin and death are conquered. Hope in the Ascension reminds us that our destiny is with Christ. Love, poured out by the Holy Spirit, empowers us to live as God’s children in the world.

Yet, it is easy to forget the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, especially in moments of frustration, suffering, or when life feels out of control. We often try to manage everything ourselves, forgetting that the Spirit is always available to help, guide, and transform us. The invitation is to call upon the Holy Spirit, especially when we feel weak or alone, and to allow Him to stir up faith, hope, and love within us. This is not just for our own sake, but so that we can bring Christ’s presence into our families, workplaces, and communities.

Just as the apostles needed to wait and prepare for the coming of the Spirit, so too are we invited to prepare our hearts, especially as we approach Pentecost. Even if we feel unprepared or have fallen behind in our prayers, it is never too late to ask the Lord to renew the gift of the Holy Spirit within us. When we do, we are empowered to live with purpose, to keep our eyes fixed on heaven, and to share the love of God with the world.

Key Takeaways

1. The Ascension is not Jesus leaving us behind, but Jesus going ahead to prepare a place for us, uniting our humanity with His divinity in heaven. This gives us a hope that transcends our daily struggles and reminds us that our true home is with God. Our journey is not aimless; it is directed toward the destiny Christ has secured for us. [00:55]
2. The Holy Spirit is the promise of the Father, the love of God poured into our hearts, and the source of our strength. We are not meant to live the Christian life on our own power; the Spirit enables us to respond to life’s challenges with grace, rather than frustration or despair. Calling upon the Spirit is essential, especially when we feel overwhelmed or powerless. [03:40]
3. Faith, hope, and love are not just theological concepts but living realities that connect us to God. Faith anchors us in the victory of the resurrection, hope lifts our eyes to the promise of heaven, and love empowers us to live as Christ’s witnesses. These virtues are sustained and enlivened by the Holy Spirit, who is always present and ready to be stirred up within us. [05:10]
4. The moments when we feel most alone, discouraged, or disconnected are often the very times when the Holy Spirit is closest, waiting to be invited in. The lie that God has abandoned us is countered by the truth that His presence dwells within us, ready to renew and strengthen us. Even a simple act of faith can open our hearts to the Spirit’s transforming power. [07:30]
5. Like the apostles, we are called to prepare our hearts for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, especially as Pentecost approaches. Even if we feel unworthy or behind in our spiritual practices, God’s invitation remains open. When we allow the Spirit to work in us, we are empowered to bring Christ’s love into every aspect of our lives, transforming the world around us. [08:40]
** [08:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - The Mystery of the Ascension
[01:45] - Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances
[02:40] - The Promise of the Father
[03:40] - Faith, Hope, and Love in Salvation History
[05:10] - The Holy Spirit in Our Daily Lives
[06:20] - Letting Go of Control
[07:30] - Responding to Life’s Challenges
[08:40] - The Lie of Abandonment
[09:28] - Preparing for Pentecost
[10:15] - The Apostles’ Example
[11:20] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[12:10] - Bringing Christ to the World
[13:00] - Invitation to Prayer and Renewal
[13:50] - Closing and Creed

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 1:6-11 — (Jesus’ Ascension and the promise of the Holy Spirit)

2. Romans 5:5
(“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”)

3. John 14:16-18
(“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever... I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”)

Observation Questions

According to Acts 1:6-11, what instructions does Jesus give to the disciples before He ascends into heaven?
In Romans 5:5, what does Paul say is poured into our hearts, and how does this happen?
The sermon mentions that Jesus’ Ascension is not about Him leaving us behind, but about preparing a place for us and sending the Holy Spirit. What are some ways the sermon describes the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? [03:40]
In John 14:16-18, what does Jesus promise about His presence and the coming of the Holy Spirit?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says the Ascension is a bridge between the Resurrection and Pentecost. Why is it important that Jesus ascended before sending the Holy Spirit? [01:45]
The preacher talks about faith, hope, and love as “living gifts” that connect us to God. How does the Holy Spirit make these virtues real in our daily lives, according to the sermon? [05:10]
The sermon mentions that in moments of frustration or suffering, we often forget the Holy Spirit is available to help us. Why do you think it’s easy to forget this, and what does the sermon suggest we do in those moments? [07:30]
The apostles had to wait and prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit. What does this period of waiting teach us about our own spiritual preparation? [09:28]

Application Questions

The sermon says that the Ascension gives us hope that our lives are not meant to be earthbound, but destined for union with God. Is there an area of your life where you feel “stuck” or too focused on earthly things? What would it look like to “lift your eyes” toward heaven in that area? [05:10]
The preacher shares that we often try to manage everything ourselves and forget to call on the Holy Spirit. Can you think of a recent situation where you tried to handle things on your own? What might have changed if you had paused to invite the Holy Spirit into that moment? [06:20]
The sermon says that even when we feel alone or discouraged, the Holy Spirit is closest and waiting to be invited in. What is one practical way you can remind yourself to call on the Holy Spirit when you feel overwhelmed or isolated? [07:30]
The apostles were not ready to go out and share the gospel until they received the Holy Spirit. Is there something you feel unprepared for in your faith or life right now? How can you ask the Holy Spirit to equip you for that challenge? [09:28]
The preacher encourages us to prepare our hearts for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, especially as Pentecost approaches. What is one step you can take this week to prepare your heart—such as prayer, confession, or setting aside time for quiet reflection? [09:28]
The sermon says that faith, hope, and love are not just ideas but living realities. Which of these three do you most need the Holy Spirit to “stir up” in your life right now? What is a specific way you can open yourself to that gift this week? [05:10]
The preacher mentions that even if we feel unworthy or behind in our spiritual practices, it’s never too late to ask for renewal. Is there a spiritual practice or prayer you want to restart or try again this week? What’s your first step? [09:28]

Sermon Clips

At this point, I'm getting better and better at recognizing those moments where I need to call upon the Holy Spirit because whatever I have to do is beyond my human ability. And that can be a bit uncomfortable for us at times because if you're like me, and I think we're all fairly similar, you like to be in control of things. [00:03:17] (19 seconds)

To stir up that faith hope and love in our hearts so that we can walk with purpose so that we can see and keep our eyes fixed on where we're going and this is why jesus ascends today not to be away from us but to send the promise of the father the holy spirit gift he has so many names within scripture because he's the one who brings the love of god into our hearts so that we can live by that that we don't have to be on our own because that's often the lie that we'll believe on this journey especially when we're going through something difficult or when things aren't going the way that i planned which is pretty much every day right and so in those moments we have to be able to call upon the holy spirit and be like oh this is the journey that i'm on and he's with me right i can reject the lie that god has abandoned me in this difficulty that god has abandoned me on this journey because he never does because he sent his gift he sent his presence to live and exist in our hearts so that we can keep our eyes fixed on where we're going but also experience the power of the love of god. [00:04:49] (71 seconds)

We need the gift of god's love poured into our hearts to help us on this journey because on our own it becomes too difficult and sometimes we get discouraged and we uh we get disconnected from god or we feel like we are and it could be just a simple moment of making an act of faith that the lord loves us that he is with us that his presence is always dwelling within our heart in the holy spirit when we make those acts of faith he can be stirred up in us so that we can be who he's calling us to be. [00:06:35] (31 seconds)

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