Weekly Pastoral Message prepared by Rev. Murray Adamthwaite
for Sunday 20th April 1997

From the Pastor: The Ascension I

In the English-speaking churches, outside the Anglican church, the Ascension is often disregarded in the traditional church calendar. Whether we follow the "Christian year" or not, this lack of regard is unfortunate. While the event of the Ascension is recorded only in Luke 24:50-1, and Acts 1:1-11, the fact is everywhere presupposed, and this aspect alone should make us to reflect on it. Briefly put, the significance of the Ascension can be summarized thus: 1. It marks the triumph and exaltation of the crucified Saviour. Psalm 24:7-10 has traditionally been understood as fulfilled in the Ascension. Cf. Hymn 222 in our Methodist Hymn Book (Charles Wesley). 2. It marks the beginning of His reign of grace and the extension of His kingdom by the Gospel, (1 Corinthians 15:25). 3. It marks the beginning of His intercession for the saints before the throne of God, (Hebrews 9:24). 4. It marks the prelude to His glorious return, which will be from heaven, (Acts 1:11). In short, without the Ascension the Christian Church would never have begun, the Christian life would be impossible, and "waiting for His Son from heaven" (1 Thessalonians 1:10) would be pointless. So let us sing out the glory of Christ, who ascended into heaven.