Ascension - Day 05
Day 05: Friday, April 14
Read Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 4:1-10
Highlight
The Ascension of Jesus is about his power and his authority. This is the focus of Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 1, where he references Jesus’ position at the Father’s right hand. In the context of the first century, to sit at someone’s right hand symbolizes both power and victory. Power and victory over what? Paul lists out “rule…authority…power…dominion…” Scholars point out that there is not much point in trying to identify what Paul means by each word. Rather, this is Paul’s way of saying, “Jesus has authority over every conceivable category, both earthly and heavenly.” Now and forever. And all of that power and authority has been “given… to the church.” (v. 22)
The power of Jesus, seen in the Resurrection and the Ascension, is a theme throughout the Book of Ephesians. Paul repeatedly reminds Christians that the same power is available to all of us. He says this again in Ephesians 4, drawing a direct connection to the Ascension. Paul creates a picture of a conquering hero returning from battle. But the conquering heroes of old would parade their treasures in order to receive adulation from their subjects. Not Jesus. When he ascended, Jesus won a victory, but he didn’t keep the spoils for himself. He gave them to his people. His victory, credited and gifted to us.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Read Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 4:1-10
Highlight
The Ascension of Jesus is about his power and his authority. This is the focus of Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 1, where he references Jesus’ position at the Father’s right hand. In the context of the first century, to sit at someone’s right hand symbolizes both power and victory. Power and victory over what? Paul lists out “rule…authority…power…dominion…” Scholars point out that there is not much point in trying to identify what Paul means by each word. Rather, this is Paul’s way of saying, “Jesus has authority over every conceivable category, both earthly and heavenly.” Now and forever. And all of that power and authority has been “given… to the church.” (v. 22)
The power of Jesus, seen in the Resurrection and the Ascension, is a theme throughout the Book of Ephesians. Paul repeatedly reminds Christians that the same power is available to all of us. He says this again in Ephesians 4, drawing a direct connection to the Ascension. Paul creates a picture of a conquering hero returning from battle. But the conquering heroes of old would parade their treasures in order to receive adulation from their subjects. Not Jesus. When he ascended, Jesus won a victory, but he didn’t keep the spoils for himself. He gave them to his people. His victory, credited and gifted to us.
Reflection
Every passage in the Bible, including the one you just read, is “...inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16
- What in this passage did the Spirit bring to light for you?
- What are you going to do in your life to respond to this passage?
Prayer
Let the passage we just read guide your prayers. Use the acronym ACTS.
Adoration - Praise God for the truth this passage communicated about him.
Confession - Confess to God the thing that this passage showed you is wrong in your life.
Thanksgiving - Thank God for what this passage taught you was true about you and for the ways He is already helping you to do what is right.
Supplication - Ask God for help to do what this passage teaches to do and accomplish the good works he has for you.
Posted in Easter 2023