Seventh Sunday of Easter

In many churches across the world today they will be marking a celebration of Christ’s ascension to heaven. For those who follow a liturgical calendar, Ascension Day was technically this past Thursday, but many churches celebrate it on the Sunday that follows.

Luke describes the ascension of Jesus in the opening chapter of Acts:

So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’”—Acts 1:6-11 (NRSV)

As we approach Pentecost there is a sense of anticipation, which I’m sure was something the disciples also knew after the ascension. Jesus had left them with a promise: that the Holy Spirit would be given to them soon, and by the Spirit they would be empowered for their mission. I’m sure the days of waiting for that gift were filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation—how would it happen? What would it be like? How would they be changed?

During this coming week we will be allowing space for that anticipation by focusing on the work of the Holy Spirit and the way the church is empowered for mission, but for today it is enough to ponder the ascension of Jesus. It’s an event that calls to mind images of kingship, exaltation, and glory. Whenever language of ascending of being “lifted up” appears in the Bible, it is usually associated with worship, as in Psalm 47:

“God has ascended amid shouts of joy,
the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
Sing praises to God, sing praises;
sing praises to our King, sing praises.
For God is the King of all the earth;
sing to him a psalm of praise.”—Psalm 47:5-7 (NIV)

So this is a good day to worship, specifically to focus on what it means for Christ to be exalted and lifted up. Today we offer two songs of celebration which focus on that theme. One we’ve offered before in a more reflective version, now as an upbeat, celebratory anthem of exaltation. As we lift him up in praise, may he be lifted up in our hearts and lives as well.

To You, the nations bow down
To You, creation cries out
Majesty
All things You hold together
Your name will stand forever
Majesty
You are, Majesty

Read the rest of the lyrics here.

Let every kindred, every tribe
On this terrestrial ball
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all.
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all

Read the rest of the lyrics here.

Scripture for Reflection and Worship

Philippians 2:9-11 (CSB)

For this reason God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Psalm 57:9-11 (Nin)

I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.