Pastor Q's Blog: Eastertide Devotion – Ascension Day, May 29

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Eastertide Devotion – Ascension Day, May 29

The Ascension of our Lord

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.” Acts 1:9-11

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 serve a congregation that gathers to celebrate 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 Christi Himmelfahrt 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.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ascended to the right hand of the Father. From there You rule over all things for me and Your Church. Give me confidence that the gates of Hell will never prevail against me as part of Your Church because of Your divine rule and protection. Amen.