Ascension Day – time to ‘go home’!

By Helen Jesze, 12^th May 2021

‘Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”’

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV

‘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 ESV

Tomorrow is Ascension Day, an often neglected day in the Christian’s calendar, and one which most of us do not celebrate in any great way. Yet forty days after his Resurrection, Jesus was about to go back to the glories of Heaven from whence he had come thirty-three years before, his divine mission on Earth accomplished.

Only just recently I have been wondering how much Jesus remembered of his time in Heaven and if he was often overwhelmingly heartsick as he lived among all the sin, pain, suffering, deceit, wickedness, petty grievances and sorrow of our physical world. Although he spent many hours in prayer and fellowship with his Father, yet there must have been a longing for “Home”, to go back to Heaven, which must have torn his heart and thoughts.

Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for his people, mansions or dwellings, that we might be with him. In Revelation we read of the Holy City – the New Jerusalem — with its streets of transparent gold, gates of pearl and jewelled foundations; myriads of angels and spiritual beings carrying out the Will of the Father; millions of the Redeemed who have gone on before and are now waiting for us; the river of life as clear as crystal flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb; a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month, and the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations; sights, sounds, colours and music such as we could never imagine – countless delights which our God has prepared for those who love him.

Several times I have heard people who have lost a loved one say that Heaven has become much more real to them now. I can understand that since losing my dear husband, George, in April 2020, although I have only “lost” him for a few short years. He is now enjoying this wonderful place, and being with his God for all Eternity. When Jesus was on Earth, only God the Father and the Holy Spirit were in Heaven. When Jesus ascended to live in Heaven again, there was a divine exchange about to take place, for he, himself, had said he would send a Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, down to Earth, who would abide with us for ever. This was to take place ten days later, at Pentecost. Now, by his Holy Spirit, Jesus can be anywhere at the same time, no longer limited by an earthly body.

Before a person dies, the last words they speak are often very special, and are kept treasured in the hearts of those who love them. When my father lay dying, the family stood round his bed softly singing and worshipping the Lord, and Dad’s last words were: “Jesus is wonderful!” When George went home to Jesus, there were no ‘Goodbyes’ or special words, for he had been unconscious for several days, so he just fell asleep.

Pastor Geoff Pickup has kindly given me permission to add this to my devotional. When his wife, Jean, was dying, she whispered to him, “Geoff, how will I know when I get there?” Geoff replied, “Because his face will shine brighter than mine!” Then she slipped away. How precious, how beautiful! That face of Jesus and his whole being shine so brightly, that Heaven has no need of the sun or moon, or any other light for he, “the Lamb is the light thereof”.

On that last day on Earth, Ascension Day, after he had blessed his disciples, he gave them his last words, which we call The Great Commission. Then he went up to Heaven and they watched him rise in glory. Those “last words” are still his orders for us today, to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom, and disciple all nations, until he takes us up in The Rapture or calls us also home to Heaven, to be with him for all Eternity!