Christians love to celebrate the events of Jesus’ life
here on earth. December 25th cannot pass by without the people of
the world knowing that something special is being remembered and
celebrated. Reports of Palm Sunday and
Good Friday observances from around the world are evident every year. Even the
secular media acknowledges the importance of Easter to the Christian people.
Yet it is a sad commentary on the state of the Church
in our country—even among Lutherans—that Ascension Day can pass by without
anyone taking notice. I count it a
privilege to be with you today in God’s house celebrating the completion of Christ’s
mission on earth and His triumph over sin, death and the devil.
Since the time of the Reformation, Lutherans have
recognized the importance of Christ’s ascension into heaven. It is commemorated in the art work displayed
in many Lutheran Churches. In those houses of worship, Sunday after Sunday the
faithful see Jesus being received into the clouds of heaven while the disciples
watch in awe.
The following hymn summarizes so well the meaning of
The Ascension of our Lord for all believers. Please read each stanza and reflect
upon its meaning for our daily lives here on earth.
On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build
By: Josua Wegelin,
1636
On Christ’s
ascension I now build
The hope of my
ascension;
This hope alone
has always stilled
All doubt and
apprehension;
For where the head
is, there as well
I know his members
are to dwell
When Christ will
come and call them.
Since Christ
returned to claim his throne,
Great gifts for me
obtaining,
My heart will rest
in him alone,
No other rest
remaining;
For where my treasure
went before,
There all my
thoughts will ever soar
To still their
deepest yearning.
Oh, grant, dear
Lord, this grace to me,
Recalling your
ascension,
That I may serve
you faithfully,
Adorning your
redemption;
And then, when all
my days will cease,
Let me depart in
joy and peace
In answer to my
pleading.
Hymn # 150 from Lutheran Worship
Etlich Christlich lider
Tune: Nun Freut Euch
1st Published in: 1524
Bach composed the cantata based on this hymn in his
second year in Leipzig for the Feast of Ascension. It was first performed on May
10, 1725. You can hear Bach’s cantata on Youtube “Auf ChristiHimmelfahrt allein, BWV 128.”
Auf Christi
Himmelfahrt allein
ich meine
Nachfahrt gründe
und allen
Zweifel, Angst und Pein
hiermit stets
überwinde.
Denn weil das
Haupt im Himmel ist,
wird seine
Glieder Jesus Christ
zur rechten
Zeit nachholen.
Pastor Quardokus
