“He ascended to heaven and is seated
at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.
Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Mark 16:19-20
Dearly Beloved,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ – the Ascended, Present and Everlasting King of all Creation!
Today we learn the implications upon our lives as Christ’s disciples, in the reality that Jesus has indeed ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
Bear in mind – the Ascension of Jesus Christ is a documented event in the history of the world. This fact remains incontrovertible to this day. And to this day, the Ascension of Jesus Christ – along wth His suffering and death on the Cross, and His Resurrection – remains incontestably and unquestionably true.
In short, like His death on the Cross and His Resurrection from the grave, Christ’s Ascension is fact.
To John Mark, the gospel writer, it is clear and simple.
Not only did the Lord Jesus resurrect from the dead and appeared to His disciples, along with the 500 witnesses - proving once for all His finished work of Atonement for our sins and victory over death - at the appointed time, Christ, in His Resurrected Human form, was taken up into heaven and sat at God’s right hand – in divine and unequivocal revelation to His disciples that He is, indeed, God.
In Mark’s mind, the unconcealed ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ and His present position at the right hand of God simply meant that it is now irrefutable and unambiguous for all the world to know - that Christ is indeed exalted above all else; coexistent, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father, in the Omnipresence, Omnipotence and Omniscience of GOD.
Jesus Christ is GOD, and He reigns at present in His resurrected, glorified Human form.
Christ’s Physical and Spiritual Human form reflects the infinite extent of His Rule which surpasses every conceivable and inconceivable dimensions – physical and spiritual.
And Christ reigns in this form as first-fruit of that which God has purposed for all who received Him and believed in His Name – the right to become Children of God. (John 1:12)
This refers to you and I – if we work hard at making Christ our reality in life today.
Note: Don’t misunderstand. We are indeed justified by faith, but our faith must translate into a constant and consistent resolve to live with Christ at the centre of our lives. If you have questions, the New Testament books of Romans and James will clear things up for you.
Mark was certainly not the first to come into this existential and ultimate reality.
The prophet Daniel wrote, “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.
He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.
He was given authority, glory and sovereign power;
all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Imagine the disciples’ awe when they connected their collective witness of Christ’s Ascension to Daniel’s vision of God in Human flesh (Son of Man) given infinite authority, glory and power over all Creation – establishing an indestructible and eternal kingdom.
In a span of a few weeks, they went from barely believing that Christ had indeed resurrected and atoned for the sins of the world, to fearlessly preaching the Salvific gospel of Jesus Christ because they now knew – as a matter of fact - that Jesus Christ is God.
In Mark’s mind, Christ’s divinity was furthered reinforced by His continued work with His disciples through confirming His Word ‘by the signs that accompanied it.’
Jesus Christ is God; and He is still actively engaging the world through His disciples today.
Is Christ actively at work in and through your life?
Have you witnessed firsthand the signs of Christ?
Understand this.
Our Lord Jesus Christ died and lives again – this proves to us that He is Lord of both the dead and of the living. His Supremacy knows no bounds.
Christ's Ascension - in His glorified Humanity - into heaven signifies His participation in God's power and authority, and our future participation with Him as Co-regents over all Creation. That’s right. When Christ returns, we will not wear white gowns and float around playing harps. There will still be work to be done in New Creation – good, perfect and everlasting work in Christ Jesus. Praise God!
Jesus Christ was, is and forevermore, Lord of the Cosmos and History : “All power in heaven and on earth is His. He is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion", for the Father "has put all things under his feet.” (Ephesians 1:21)
There is absolutely nothing He cannot do, or will not do, to fulfill the Father’s purpose of Kingdom inbreaking.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)
In Christ, human history and indeed all creation are ”put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” meaning: to those who believe in Jesus and His finished work on the Cross, we will begin to understand that every component and every event in human history, and in our lives – good and bad – has a perfect place in the loving purposes of God in His Kingdom in-breaking.
One day, you will understand that every experience in your life – from the deepest and darkest tragedies, to your most profound successes – has been purposed by a loving God to usher in His Kingdom through you, and for your ultimate good – assurance of a place in that eternal Kingdom.
As Sovereign Lord seating at God’s right hand, Jesus Christ is Head of the Church, which is his Body.
He dwells on earth in His Church.
In fact, Peter reveals in Acts 2:32-37 ‘God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear’,
The active presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst proves the reality of Christ’s Ascension and Supreme Authority.
In this, it becomes clear that our redeemed and Spirit-empowered lives must become overt and definitive proof of Christ’s supreme authority.
Embrace it. We represent Christ.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, here are a few questions to consider.
Do you have a relationship with the Holy Spirit?
Do you live a Spirit-led life? Does the Holy Spirit inform and inspire your life?
Do you feel that as a church, we live as a people redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ?
Are we a Spirit-empowered church?
If as believers, we have issues around these questions, how would the world ever know the reality of Christ’s Present and Eternal Sovereignty?
As King of kings, Christ’s work continues to this very day.
And Brethren, Christ must continue His work in and through our lives from this day, and for everyday till we meet Him in heaven or when He returns!
Contemplate these holy Scriptures -
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5)
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:25)
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. (Hebrews 9:24)
Our Lord Jesus Christ lives to mediate for us, intercede for us and appear for us in God’s presence, so that we may actually come before God, pray to God and worship God even whilst we remain fallen but redeemed, and sinful but repentant.
That we may still exist today, struggling with our sin, guilt and unrighteouness, besieged in our perishing and dying bodies, and worship the Holy God – is all because Christ ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
Praise God!
Read this carefully – your eternal reality depends on it!
‘11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation.
12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. (Hebrews 9:11-15)
Allowing the Holy Spirit to freely work in your life is utterly vital in appropriating the blood of Christ upon your life.
The constant struggle with guilt, doubts and apathy regarding God and living in His service is clear indication that the Holy Spirit is absent from your life.
This passage in Hebrews 9 is clear that without the Holy Spirit, you are unable to participate in God’s New Covenant and ‘receive the promised eternal inheritance’ of which Christ is the sole Mediator.
The Holy Spirit must be present in our lives in order for us to fully embrace Christ as our Lord, Saviour and Mediator of God’s New Covenant reality today.
Is Christ your high Priest? Does the Holy Spirit dwell in your life – guiding you towards Christ, leading you into repentance, and empowering you for the service of our Father in Heaven?
Invite the Holy Spirit into your life today, and experience God’s forgiveness and the absolute freedom from sin’s guilt and struggles brought about by the blood of Christ.
Call upon the Lord – for He hears you - and you will be saved!
If you truly know Jesus, you would know that to be true.
Our Lord Jesus lives and reigns as King who is “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” (Eph 1:21)
If you truly know Jesus, you would know that to be true.
His Ascension assures us of the constant presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Who is your Jesus? Is He dead and buried in your mind and in your reality? Or is He alive and reigning in epic supremacy?
Not sure?
Ask yourself, “Do I have a deep desire to live my life in service to God? Do I sense the constant presence and power of the Holy Spirit in my life so that I may serve my King?
The Holy Spirit will be as real to you, as your reality of Christ’s Sovereignty over all Creation.
Pray on this. This is important.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is actively engaging in our lives and in the world as our Advocate, our High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant.
If you truly know Jesus, you would know that to be true.
We must thus live confidently and courageously as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, and as agents of the Holy Spirit – preaching Christ’s gospel message to all.
Take heart!
Our King Jesus fully understands our struggles, and cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8); and He is compassionate and merciful.
Take your cares to our Ascended Lord. He hears your prayers, and responds with all of Heaven’s authority.
On the day Christ ascended to the heavens and sat on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, the disciples became completely convinced that Jesus is God.
It was the proverbial final nail that sealed their reality about Jesus Christ. It informed and inspired their lives, and their deaths.
May the Apostles’ reality of the Ascended Lord, Supreme King and everliving God, Jesus Christ, be our reality as well.
Shalom.
Let us pray.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done; on earth, as it is in heaven.
Thank you Lord, for Your Revelation of the reality of Christ’s Ascension in our lives.
Empower us, Holy Spirit, to live fully in the sacred reality of our living and reigning King Jesus Christ.
Glorious Father, may You grant us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know Christ better.
We pray that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which our Lord Jesus has called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in us - Your holy people, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe.
We believe that power is the same as the mighty strength You exerted, Father, when You raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Father God, we believe that You placed all things under Christ’s feet and appointed our Lord Jesus to be head over everything for us - the church – we, who are the body of Christ, and the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.
We have been called to be Your Holy Ambassadors in the world today.
May our lives in Christ bring fulfillment through the gospel of the Kingdom of the Most High God.
Holy Spirit, come! Increase my faith in Jesus! Deepen my conviction to the reality of God’s infinite power and everlasting reign through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Continue to teach me to grow daily in understanding the extent of Christ’s power, authority and victory in all of Creation – so that I may live victoriously to the glory of God the Father.
May I live out all of my days in the certainty that our Lord Jesus Christ is King over all Creation because He is in heaven today, seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
May the reality of Christ’s Reign impact every aspect of our church and our lives.
I thank You and pray all these in the Name of King Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.”
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.
Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
Mark 16:19-20
Dearly Beloved,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ – the Ascended, Present and Everlasting King of all Creation!
Today we learn the implications upon our lives as Christ’s disciples, in the reality that Jesus has indeed ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
Bear in mind – the Ascension of Jesus Christ is a documented event in the history of the world. This fact remains incontrovertible to this day. And to this day, the Ascension of Jesus Christ – along wth His suffering and death on the Cross, and His Resurrection – remains incontestably and unquestionably true.
In short, like His death on the Cross and His Resurrection from the grave, Christ’s Ascension is fact.
To John Mark, the gospel writer, it is clear and simple.
Not only did the Lord Jesus resurrect from the dead and appeared to His disciples, along with the 500 witnesses - proving once for all His finished work of Atonement for our sins and victory over death - at the appointed time, Christ, in His Resurrected Human form, was taken up into heaven and sat at God’s right hand – in divine and unequivocal revelation to His disciples that He is, indeed, God.
In Mark’s mind, the unconcealed ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ and His present position at the right hand of God simply meant that it is now irrefutable and unambiguous for all the world to know - that Christ is indeed exalted above all else; coexistent, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father, in the Omnipresence, Omnipotence and Omniscience of GOD.
Jesus Christ is GOD, and He reigns at present in His resurrected, glorified Human form.
Christ’s Physical and Spiritual Human form reflects the infinite extent of His Rule which surpasses every conceivable and inconceivable dimensions – physical and spiritual.
And Christ reigns in this form as first-fruit of that which God has purposed for all who received Him and believed in His Name – the right to become Children of God. (John 1:12)
This refers to you and I – if we work hard at making Christ our reality in life today.
Note: Don’t misunderstand. We are indeed justified by faith, but our faith must translate into a constant and consistent resolve to live with Christ at the centre of our lives. If you have questions, the New Testament books of Romans and James will clear things up for you.
Mark was certainly not the first to come into this existential and ultimate reality.
The prophet Daniel wrote, “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven.
He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.
He was given authority, glory and sovereign power;
all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14)
Imagine the disciples’ awe when they connected their collective witness of Christ’s Ascension to Daniel’s vision of God in Human flesh (Son of Man) given infinite authority, glory and power over all Creation – establishing an indestructible and eternal kingdom.
In a span of a few weeks, they went from barely believing that Christ had indeed resurrected and atoned for the sins of the world, to fearlessly preaching the Salvific gospel of Jesus Christ because they now knew – as a matter of fact - that Jesus Christ is God.
In Mark’s mind, Christ’s divinity was furthered reinforced by His continued work with His disciples through confirming His Word ‘by the signs that accompanied it.’
Jesus Christ is God; and He is still actively engaging the world through His disciples today.
Is Christ actively at work in and through your life?
Have you witnessed firsthand the signs of Christ?
Understand this.
Our Lord Jesus Christ died and lives again – this proves to us that He is Lord of both the dead and of the living. His Supremacy knows no bounds.
Christ's Ascension - in His glorified Humanity - into heaven signifies His participation in God's power and authority, and our future participation with Him as Co-regents over all Creation. That’s right. When Christ returns, we will not wear white gowns and float around playing harps. There will still be work to be done in New Creation – good, perfect and everlasting work in Christ Jesus. Praise God!
Jesus Christ was, is and forevermore, Lord of the Cosmos and History : “All power in heaven and on earth is His. He is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion", for the Father "has put all things under his feet.” (Ephesians 1:21)
There is absolutely nothing He cannot do, or will not do, to fulfill the Father’s purpose of Kingdom inbreaking.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)
In Christ, human history and indeed all creation are ”put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” meaning: to those who believe in Jesus and His finished work on the Cross, we will begin to understand that every component and every event in human history, and in our lives – good and bad – has a perfect place in the loving purposes of God in His Kingdom in-breaking.
One day, you will understand that every experience in your life – from the deepest and darkest tragedies, to your most profound successes – has been purposed by a loving God to usher in His Kingdom through you, and for your ultimate good – assurance of a place in that eternal Kingdom.
As Sovereign Lord seating at God’s right hand, Jesus Christ is Head of the Church, which is his Body.
He dwells on earth in His Church.
In fact, Peter reveals in Acts 2:32-37 ‘God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear’,
The active presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst proves the reality of Christ’s Ascension and Supreme Authority.
In this, it becomes clear that our redeemed and Spirit-empowered lives must become overt and definitive proof of Christ’s supreme authority.
Embrace it. We represent Christ.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, here are a few questions to consider.
Do you have a relationship with the Holy Spirit?
Do you live a Spirit-led life? Does the Holy Spirit inform and inspire your life?
Do you feel that as a church, we live as a people redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ?
Are we a Spirit-empowered church?
If as believers, we have issues around these questions, how would the world ever know the reality of Christ’s Present and Eternal Sovereignty?
As King of kings, Christ’s work continues to this very day.
And Brethren, Christ must continue His work in and through our lives from this day, and for everyday till we meet Him in heaven or when He returns!
Contemplate these holy Scriptures -
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5)
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:25)
For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. (Hebrews 9:24)
Our Lord Jesus Christ lives to mediate for us, intercede for us and appear for us in God’s presence, so that we may actually come before God, pray to God and worship God even whilst we remain fallen but redeemed, and sinful but repentant.
That we may still exist today, struggling with our sin, guilt and unrighteouness, besieged in our perishing and dying bodies, and worship the Holy God – is all because Christ ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
Praise God!
Read this carefully – your eternal reality depends on it!
‘11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation.
12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. (Hebrews 9:11-15)
Allowing the Holy Spirit to freely work in your life is utterly vital in appropriating the blood of Christ upon your life.
The constant struggle with guilt, doubts and apathy regarding God and living in His service is clear indication that the Holy Spirit is absent from your life.
This passage in Hebrews 9 is clear that without the Holy Spirit, you are unable to participate in God’s New Covenant and ‘receive the promised eternal inheritance’ of which Christ is the sole Mediator.
The Holy Spirit must be present in our lives in order for us to fully embrace Christ as our Lord, Saviour and Mediator of God’s New Covenant reality today.
Is Christ your high Priest? Does the Holy Spirit dwell in your life – guiding you towards Christ, leading you into repentance, and empowering you for the service of our Father in Heaven?
Invite the Holy Spirit into your life today, and experience God’s forgiveness and the absolute freedom from sin’s guilt and struggles brought about by the blood of Christ.
Call upon the Lord – for He hears you - and you will be saved!
If you truly know Jesus, you would know that to be true.
Our Lord Jesus lives and reigns as King who is “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” (Eph 1:21)
If you truly know Jesus, you would know that to be true.
His Ascension assures us of the constant presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Who is your Jesus? Is He dead and buried in your mind and in your reality? Or is He alive and reigning in epic supremacy?
Not sure?
Ask yourself, “Do I have a deep desire to live my life in service to God? Do I sense the constant presence and power of the Holy Spirit in my life so that I may serve my King?
The Holy Spirit will be as real to you, as your reality of Christ’s Sovereignty over all Creation.
Pray on this. This is important.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is actively engaging in our lives and in the world as our Advocate, our High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant.
If you truly know Jesus, you would know that to be true.
We must thus live confidently and courageously as disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, and as agents of the Holy Spirit – preaching Christ’s gospel message to all.
Take heart!
Our King Jesus fully understands our struggles, and cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8); and He is compassionate and merciful.
Take your cares to our Ascended Lord. He hears your prayers, and responds with all of Heaven’s authority.
On the day Christ ascended to the heavens and sat on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, the disciples became completely convinced that Jesus is God.
It was the proverbial final nail that sealed their reality about Jesus Christ. It informed and inspired their lives, and their deaths.
May the Apostles’ reality of the Ascended Lord, Supreme King and everliving God, Jesus Christ, be our reality as well.
Shalom.
Let us pray.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done; on earth, as it is in heaven.
Thank you Lord, for Your Revelation of the reality of Christ’s Ascension in our lives.
Empower us, Holy Spirit, to live fully in the sacred reality of our living and reigning King Jesus Christ.
Glorious Father, may You grant us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we may know Christ better.
We pray that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which our Lord Jesus has called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in us - Your holy people, and Your incomparably great power for us who believe.
We believe that power is the same as the mighty strength You exerted, Father, when You raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Father God, we believe that You placed all things under Christ’s feet and appointed our Lord Jesus to be head over everything for us - the church – we, who are the body of Christ, and the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.
We have been called to be Your Holy Ambassadors in the world today.
May our lives in Christ bring fulfillment through the gospel of the Kingdom of the Most High God.
Holy Spirit, come! Increase my faith in Jesus! Deepen my conviction to the reality of God’s infinite power and everlasting reign through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Continue to teach me to grow daily in understanding the extent of Christ’s power, authority and victory in all of Creation – so that I may live victoriously to the glory of God the Father.
May I live out all of my days in the certainty that our Lord Jesus Christ is King over all Creation because He is in heaven today, seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
May the reality of Christ’s Reign impact every aspect of our church and our lives.
I thank You and pray all these in the Name of King Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.