Embracing Our Purpose After Jesus’ Return to Heaven
“After Jesus said this, He was taken up before their very eyes…” (Acts 1:9).
Ever just skimmed over those words? I’ll admit it, for years, I treated the Ascension like a footnote to the resurrection story. Heck, I didn’t even know the date of Ascension Day!
But if you take time to really think about it, it’s only been 40 days since Jesus rose from the dead.
During those days, He appeared to his followers, showed them undeniable proof that He was alive, and promised them that they would soon receive the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth“.
And then, right before their eyes, he was taken up into heaven, and a cloud hid him from their sight. The disciples watched in awe as Jesus ascended, marking the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of their mission.
The Verse
“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.‘”
Acts 1:9-11
Understanding the Verse
The ascension marks the end of Jesus’ time on earth. During His last days, He spent time preparing His disciples for the mission ahead of them. Then right before their eyes He was lifted into the sky and was gone!
Can you imagine how the disciples felt as they stood gazing into the sky! Perhaps they felt confused or even abandoned. What would they do now?
I think this story beautifully highlights what we sometimes do when we feel that Jesus has disappeared from our lives. We often get stuck, frozen in place, confused, and uncertain, looking up or looking back instead of moving forward.
But then come the angels and they gently snap the disciples out of their daze: “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?”.
There is work to do!
The Ascension wasn’t an end for the disciples, but the beginning of a new start!
“Taken up before their very eyes”
The disciples physically saw Jesus being taken up into heaven. This wasn’t a spiritual metaphor but something that actually happened. This detail matters because it affirms that the same Jesus who walked, talked, ate, and taught on earth, now rules from heaven.
“This same Jesus… will come back”
Before the angels also disappear they give the disciples a final promise. Jesus will come back. This gives us hope in difficult and challenging times because we know that the story isn’t over.
“Why do you stand here looking…?”
In earlier verses, Jesus promised the disciples that they would receive the Holy Spirit and He commanded them to be His witnesses. The ascension was the beginning of the church’s mission, not the end of Jesus’ presence.
Faith in Action
Jesus Didn’t Leave
Jesus didn’t retire when He ascended into heaven. He began a new phase of His ministry as our heavenly High Priest and Advocate.
Try This: When you pray today, visualize Jesus at the Father’s right hand, actively interceding for you and thank Him specifically for His ongoing work in your life.
Live in the “Already/Not Yet”
The ascension places us in a unique position; we already have salvation through Jesus’ resurrection, but we also know that He is still coming back to complete His work. This is a reflection of our lives and how we see Him moving.
Try This: Make two lists: one of the ways God has already worked in your life, and another for the things you’re still waiting for Him to do. Bring both lists to Him in prayer, with thanksgiving for the first and hopeful anticipation for the second.
Experience the Holy Spirit’s Power
Jesus ascended so that the Holy Spirit could take His place. His departure wasn’t about absence but about empowering His people.
Try This: Before tackling a challenge today, pause to specifically invite the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance. Acknowledge that you’re not working alone but with the divine help of the Holy Spirit.
Look Forward, Not Just Upward
After Jesus left, the angels redirected the disciples’ gaze from the sky to their mission – the ascension calls us to actively anticipate Jesus’ return, not passively wait.
Try This: Are there any areas of your life where you’ve been “standing and staring,” waiting for God to act while He might be waiting for you to move forward? Take one small step of faithful action today.
Journaling Prompts
Affirmation
Because Jesus is alive and with me, I choose to step forward in faith and trust God’s unfolding plan for my life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your ascension, not an abandonment but an advancement of Your kingdom purpose. I’m grateful that You continue to intercede for me at the Father’s right hand. Forgive me for the times I’ve stood still, looking up when You’ve called me to look outward.
Fill me with purpose and boldness as I wait and work in this world. Let Your ascension lift my eyes above my circumstances, grounding me in the certainty that You reign and that Your promises will be fulfilled. Thank You for entrusting me with Your mission, and for giving me everything I need to live it out.
In Your glorious name, Amen.
