April 1st Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON ACTS 

JESUS WAS TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN  

 Acts 1:9 “ He (Jesus) was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.” 

Luke gives a bit more detailed account of Jesus’ ascension in his Gospel. There he wrote, “When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-51)  

Though Jesus ascended into heaven, He yet remains with you for He promised, “. . . surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Though He ascended into heaven and there resides to this day, He invites you through the pen of Peter to “. . . cast all of your cares upon Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Now sitting at the right hand of His heavenly Father, “is also interceding for you.” (Romans 8:34) 

Because Jesus has ascended you can live your daily life confidently knowing you are a conqueror over all things through Him who loves you. St. Paul wrote in Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus sits at the right hand of His Father reigning over heaven and earth. (Revelations 11:14) 

Jesus’ last earthly act toward His disciples was to bless them. That He did, Luke wrote in Luke 24:51. Imagine what it was like for them to see Jesus going up to heaven while at the same time receiving His personal benediction. So you leave the worship service receiving His personal blessing as well.   

Prayer: Lord Jesus, my Savior and friend, send Your Spirit into my heart to keep me every focused upon You. Amen. 

On Christ’s ascension I now build The hope of my ascension;  
This hope alone has always stilled All doubt and apprehension;  
For where the Head is, there as well I know   
His members are to dwell. When Christ will come and call them. 

Since Christ returned to claim His throne, Great gifts for me obtaining,  
My heart will rest in Him alone,No other rest remaining;  
For where my treasure went before,   
There all my thoughts will ever soar. To still their deepest yearning. 

O grant, dear Lord, this grace to me, Recalling Your ascension,  
That I may serve You faithfully In thanks for my redemption;  
And the, when all my days will cease,  
Let me depart in joy and peace In answer to my pleading.

On Christ's Ascension I Now Build // LSB 492