“Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34

40 days after Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven, “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:21). From there, he sits (an imagery which tells us his work of redemption is accomplished) at the right hand of the Father (a place of power and authority), interceding with the Father on our behalf.  When we sin, we have a Mediator, one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One (I John 2:1).  The accusations of the Accuser, Satan (a name that means Accuser in Hebrew), now fall on God’s deaf ears.  Because of Jesus, we are no longer under God’s righteous judgment.  We are now declared innocent of all sin.

Take time today to recall Christ’s ascension.  A blessed Ascension celebration to you all! And if you have time, listen to one of the most beautiful Ascension hymns–A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing–sung by the combined choirs of MLC and the congregation gathered at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, New Ulm, MN in the spring of 1999.

Yes, you may remember some of this as a rehashing of the Easter Sunday sermon. But if Jesus could preach a sermon on multiple occasions, then I guess it isn’t a bad thing 🙂