Luke Wartgow | Carson Valley Bible Church
When we think about the pivotal moments in Jesus’ life and ministry, our minds often go to His birth, His teachings, His death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. But there’s another crucial event that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves — the ascension of Christ. Far from being a mere footnote in the story of Jesus, the ascension is a profound moment that carries deep significance for every believer.
In Acts 1:6-11 we can read about this glorious day: Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. This wasn’t just a departure; it was a display of who He is. Jesus was returning to His heavenly throne, not as a distant, uninvolved deity, but as the God-man, taking His place at the right hand of the Father. The ascension continues to put Jesus into perspective, allowing us to see Christ for who He truly is - the King of kings and Lord of lords. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter what chaos, suffering, or hardships we may face, Jesus is on the throne.
As the disciples stood gazing into the sky, two angels appeared with a promise: “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” The ascension isn’t just about Jesus leaving; it’s also about the certainty of His return.
This promise gives us both comfort and urgency. Comfort because we know that one day all wrongs will be made right, and we will be with our Lord forever. Urgency because we don’t know when that day will come, and we have a mission to fulfill in the meantime.
The book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of Christ’s return: “Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him.” For those who have rejected Christ, this will be a day of judgment. But for those who have put their faith in Him, it will be a day of unimaginable joy and the fulfillment of all our hopes.
Ultimately, the ascension isn’t just a historical event to be remembered; it’s a present reality that should transform how we live each day. Let’s lift our eyes to the throne, where our ascended Lord reigns, and live in light of this glorious truth.
Luke Wartgow is lead pastor at Carson Valley Bible Church
