That Jesus rose from the dead and lives.  He convinced 500 people who saw it with their own eyes. Subsequently, he went to Bethany with them, gathered them and gave them the mission to go everywhere to talk about what they experienced. However, before that, they were to wait in Jerusalem until they were baptised in the Holy Spirit. He then blessed them and a cloud took him into the Heavens. This occurred 40 days after Easter when Jesus returned to heaven. That is Ascension!

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:11

Speechlessly the disciples starred in the sky and were overwhelmed by what they had experienced. Suddenly two men in white clothes stood amongst them and asked: “What are you looking up? The Jeses that went from you into the Heavens will return the same way he had left!” That filled them with great happiness and they returned to Jerusalem and praised God. 

Ascension is hope because Jesus will return as he went up in heaven. Live with Jesus then you have all reason to praise the Lord. This is not only with song. We can praise God with the heart, mouth and hands. It has something to do with our attitude. 

What importance does Jesus have in your life?

Bible text to deepen: Acts 1:2-12 / Romans 8:31-38