“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

Tomorrow is Ascension Day… so if you live here in Lancaster County, get ready for a quieter than normal Thursday and a procession of horse and buggies crowding the roads. Much of the plain community — Amish and Mennonite alike — pauses to observe the day. Family-owned businesses close their doors with handwritten signs that simply read, “Closed for Ascension Day.” So if you suddenly discover you need lumber, hardware, mulch, or a dozen shoofly pies… you may be out of luck. My friend John, who was raised Amish, told me they don’t have formal religious services, but rather enjoy a beautiful, relaxed spring day with family and friends.

Growing up in the Baptist church, we never really talked about Ascension Day. And honestly, I’m not sure why. The ascension of Jesus is clearly marked in Scripture and deeply significant to our faith.

Forty days after His resurrection on Easter Sunday, Jesus ascended into heaven. And during those forty days, Acts tells us that:

“He presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.” — Acts 1:3

Jesus used the time between the resurrection and ascension to strengthen his follower’s faith, and prepare them for the coming mission of the church. He also left behind an overwhelming testimony to the reality of his resurrection. Paul later wrote that Jesus appeared to more than five hundred people at one time, in addition to the apostles, James, and many others (1 Corinthians 15:6–7).

Those forty days transformed a frightened, defeated, disillusioned group of disciples into bold, Spirit-filled Christians that would turn the world upside down. Whatever debates modern scholars may have about the “historical Jesus,” the people who saw Him alive after His crucifixion had absolute certainty about what they had witnessed.

And when you think about it, Ascension Day is really worth celebrating. If our culture can acknowledge Groundhog Day… surely the ascension and enthronement of Jesus Christ merits our attention.

But this year, one phrase especially stands out to me: “He sat at the right hand of God.”

That statement is repeated throughout the New Testament: Mark 16:19, Acts 2:33–35, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3; 10:12, 1 Peter 3:22 …and many more.

Why does it matter that after Jesus ascended, He sat down?

The Work Is Finished

The book of Hebrews emphasizes that unlike the priests of the Old Testament — who stood daily offering repeated sacrifices — Jesus offered Himself once and then sat down.

“But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God.” — Hebrews 10:12

In the Old Testament, priests stood because their work was never finished. Sin kept returning. Sacrifices kept repeating. But Jesus sat down because the work of redemption was complete. The debt was paid. Sin was atoned for; death defeated, the veil torn. The way to God was now opened forever.

Ascension Day reminds us that because Jesus sat down, we can rest secure in a salvation that has been fully accomplished. There’s nothing left to add.

The King Is on the Throne

Ephesians adds another beautiful dimension:

“[God] raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion…” — Ephesians 1:20–21

Jesus isn’t merely alive somewhere “out there” in the universe. He’s enthroned. Jesus is the High King above every government, every ruler and every spiritual power. Over every anxious headline and the chaos of our world, Jesus reigns supreme.

And astonishingly, Paul says that we are united with Him in that victory:

“God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” — Ephesians 2:6

As children of the King, we don’t need to live from a posture of panic, fear, or defeat. Instead, because we are raised up and seated with Christ, we can live with confidence, security, and hope.

Our Advocate Still Speaks

Jesus’ seated position also reminds us of His ongoing ministry. Romans and Hebrews teach that Jesus continues even now as our advocate and intercessor.

“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

Even now, Jesus speaks for His people.

When the accuser slanders us in the hallways of heaven or reminds us of our failures, our Eternal Advocate, sets the record straight.  Jesus declares that we are redeemed, forgiven, sanctified and righteous.  There’s no condemnation for those who are in Him.

The Kingdom Is Advancing

The Seated Savior fulfills the great Messianic promise of Psalm 110:

“The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” — Psalm 110:1

Jesus is reigning now, but the fullness of His kingdom is still coming. We live in the tension of an “already, but not yet” world. Christ has won the victory, but the final fulfillment still lies ahead. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Until then, we live as ambassadors of the King, inviting others to be reconciled to God.

So tomorrow, take a moment to remember Ascension Day. Not just because Jesus left the earth… but because our Seated Savior has finished the work, conquered the grave, and now reigns as King over all. Now that’s worth celebrating.