Pam and I just got back from Germany last night. We flew from Stuttgart to Copenhagen to Newark, and after driving for over two hours in a steady downpour, we pulled into our driveway by 6:30 PM. Even though the weather was rainy and a bit chilly, it was a fantastic trip—mostly because we got to spend quality time with our son Josh and daughter-in-law Alaina.

In Germany, we wandered through medieval towns, explored a huge cathedral, ate amazing food, and soaked in the countryside around Stuttgart. But all of those experiences were simply the vehicle for the real gift: time together. We hadn’t seen them since Thanksgiving, so simply being together meant the world. And for Pam, being able to hug her son and daughter-in-law and see them thriving filled her mother’s heart in a way no souvenir ever could.

Germany is five hours ahead of the East Coast, which meant that by 8:30 PM, our bodies were saying it was 1:30 in the morning. We went to bed completely exhausted. The upside? I was wide awake and ready to go at 4:30 AM. Gotta love jet lag.

I went into the church extra early and settled into my office to start plowing through the 500+ emails (mostly junk) that had accumulated in my inbox. My desk faces Route 625, and it didn’t take long to notice something unusual—an almost endless parade of horse-drawn buggies mainly from the Mennonite community. There were almost more buggies than cars. It went on for quite a while, then paused, and then picked up again—with the buggies all headed back in the opposite direction.

By that time, the rest of the staff had come in. “The horse and buggies are super active today,” I commented. “Anyone know what’s going on?”

“It’s Ascension Day!” Gwen replied.

Ah—of course. That explained everything. I can’t believe it caught me off guard again this year.

A Spiritual Reminder

Most evangelical Christians don’t celebrate Ascension Day—but maybe we should.

Ascension Day, celebrated 40 days after Easter, marks the day when Jesus ascended back into heaven (Acts 1:9–11). We often talk about the “finished work” of Christ as His death, burial, and resurrection. But the story doesn’t end at the empty tomb. Jesus didn’t just rise—He ascended.

And that changes everything.

The Ascension isn’t a footnote; it’s a declaration. Jesus returned to the Father and is exalted above all (Philippians 2:9–11). He now reigns from heaven’s throne with all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). And that matters for you and me right now.

Because of Jesus’ ascension:

• Under Jesus’ authority, we have a mission. (Matthew 28:18)
• We are spiritually raised and seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6)
• We have direct access to the Father through our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16; Romans 8:34)
• The Holy Spirit has been poured out to empower and guide us (John 16:7; Acts 2:33)
• Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for us. (John 14:2–3)
• Jesus will soon return for us and to establish his glorious kingdom. (Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7)

This is not just theological truth—it’s deeply personal and profoundly practical. What a powerful thought: Christ’s Ascension secures our identity, authority, and future. So today, don’t just celebrate a risen Jesus—rejoice in the reigning King.

He’s alive. He’s enthroned. And He hasn’t stopped working.

A Prayer for Ascension Day

Jesus, thank You that Your work didn’t end with the cross or even the empty tomb. You rose in victory and ascended in glory, now enthroned at the Father’s right hand with all authority in heaven and on earth.

Because You reign, I don’t stand in weakness or fear. I’ve been raised with You and seated with You in the heavenly places. You are my Savior, but also my King. I yield myself to Your rule—my heart, my thoughts, my desires, my will. Let Your authority shape my life and define my mission today.

Reign in and through me. And help me live in the power and peace of knowing You are not just alive—but You are active in this world, seated right now at the Father’s right hand.

Amen.

.