Ascension Day

Mural of Christ ascending to heaven on a graffiti wall (Bristol, England).
Credits: Vanderbilt University Divinity Library.

"Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." (Hebrews 1:1-4)  

Today is Ascension Day, the day we set aside to remember that Jesus was no ordinary man, but in reality God in flesh who returned to his rightful place, the place from which he had come, the Godhead itself. God is described in the Scripture above as “the Majesty (‘Greatness’) on high.”  Jesus is in heaven, having received all authority and power, and has taken his rightful place with the Father and the Spirit.  “The divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty coeternal” (Athanasian Creed).

Recently the world watched with fascination the coronation of King Charles III. An earthly coronation is an attempt to capture, in limited, earthly form, what took place when Jesus ascended to heaven. The coronation service also reminded us that the reign and authority of human kings and rulers is always subservient to that of our heavenly King. May we, with all of our beings and lives, submit ourselves to our ascended King, Jesus!

A good song for today is “Majesty”:         

Majesty, worship his majesty
Unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise
Majesty, kingdom authority
Flow from his throne, unto his own, his anthem raise
So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King
Majesty, worship his majesty
Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings  

Prayer: Holy Spirit, on this Ascension Day, illuminate for us today the divine Majesty of Father, Son and Spirit!

"To the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen!" (Jude 25)

(Check  this space again tomorrow for further entries on this subject, from now until Pentecost!)