“After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.” Mark 16:19

Today is Ascension Day and that’s a big deal in Lancaster County. Much of the plain community takes the day off to celebrate 40 days after Easter, commemorating when Jesus ascended back to heaven.

I remember one bright spring day, when I first moved here, needing a hose clamp for a much-needed home repair. I stopped by Good’s Hardware Store and the parking lot seemed strangely empty. There was a handwritten notice on the door, “Closed for Ascension Day”. WHAT? I was raised in a non-liturgical church tradition and Ascension Day never even crossed my radar when we lived in northern Virginia, so I was caught completely by surprise. And being a pastor, I felt like I should have known. I stood in front of the hardware store guiltily looking around to see if anyone saw me dawdling at the front door. I half expected someone to drive by and shout, “HEATHEN!” I was also bummed that the nearest Lowes was 9 miles away in Morgantown.

Now after 4 years in Lancaster County, I’ve come to know the businesses owned by Amish and conservative Mennonite that are closed on Ascension Day- hardware stores, farm markets, bakeries, greenhouses, garden outlets and plant nurseries…. The list is extensive. If you want to get something done today, you might have to travel into town.

But, while we may not celebrate Ascension Day as a church, the truth of Jesus’ ascension is a vital and often neglected part of the gospel. Jesus’ return to the Father points to many critical aspects of Jesus’ present and future work on our behalf. Here are 4 reasons the ascension of Jesus is so important.

First, the ascension points to Christ’s Exaltation and Triumph over sin, death, hell, and Satan. Jesus didn’t just rise from the dead, but he returned to heaven to reclaim his rightful throne. And it is from that exalted position he now reigns as Lord and soon coming King.

Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The ascension proclaims that Jesus is more than just a good man, a teacher, an example or even a Savior, he is God in flesh who reigns in power. His kingdom is among us now and will come in fullness and power when he returns.

Second, the ascension also points to God’s Presence in the life of Christians today. In John 16, Jesus said, he needed to leave, to get out of the way, so the Holy Spirit could come. And when the Holy Spirit comes, he would guide, comfort, and empower those who believe. That’s how Jesus could say to his followers, “And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)”, even while he was leaving.  Jesus’ return to heaven activated the new covenant promise that God would come and indwell his people.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

And because the Holy Spirit lives in us and we have a new heart, we have the desire and power to both walk in the Spirit and fulfill God’s purposes. (Acts 1:8)

A third vital purpose of Jesus’ resurrection is Intercession and Mediation. As our high priest, Jesus stands before the Father God and advocates for us. Our identity as a beloved child of God is secure and unassailable because Jesus is our defender. Our behavior can never threaten our standing with God because Jesus’ righteousness has been credited to our account. Satan may whisper lies to you about who you are, but the truth is, you are in Christ and Christ is in God. (1 Corinthians 3:23). It doesn’t get any more secure than that.

Romans 8:34 (NIV): “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. 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.”

And finally, Jesus’ ascension is the Hope for Believers. Jesus said,

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)

If you have confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, he is even now, preparing a place in heaven for you. Things in this world may be tough and marred with tears, pain, injustice and struggle. But the day is coming when God will wipe every tear from our eyes, our trials will be a distant memory, heaven will descend to earth, and God will dwell among us.

So, Happy Ascension Day! And wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, remind yourself that Jesus is King, God lives within you, Jesus is your Advocate, and we have a future hope of eternal life with God, all because Jesus ascended to heaven.

That’s probably worth taking the day off!