The Ascension of Our Lord, 2010

Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier

 

Ephesians 1:15-23

 

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

 

In the book of Genesis, we learn about the story of Joseph’s life. It was revealed to him by God that he would end up reigning over his brothers. When he shared this news with them, they did not want to hear it even if it came from God. So, they rejected him and sold him into slavery. Then they told their father Jacob that Joseph was dead.

 

Yet, God promises to work for the good in all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Although Joseph’s brothers meant these actions for harm, God meant them for good. Unbeknownst to the people of Israel, Joseph ended up in Egypt, was freed from his prison, and ascended to the right hand of Pharaoh. In this position, he was able to help his own people in the day of their need. He was able to sustain them during the seven years of famine.

 

It wasn’t until quite sometime that it was revealed to Joseph’s brothers that he was in a position of unimaginable authority. When the news was given to Jacob that his son was not dead but alive, he did not believe it at first. Then after believing the good news, he couldn’t wait to go to Egypt and see Joseph with his own eyes. He desired to go and dwell with him. Can you imagine the joy that filled that father’s heart?

 

How much more should we desire to see Jesus and go and dwell with Him in heaven? Jesus told His Jewish brothers what the Father had in store for Him. He would reign over all things. They rejected His message. They cut Him off from the land. They handed Him over to the Gentile authorities to be crucified. They announced that He and died. But He destroyed the bonds of death that held Him. He rose again on the third day. He ascended into Heaven in order to sit at the right hand of the Father. He is in a position to help His people in their day of need. The Ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father should bring to us great joy. We too should desire to go and see Him with our own eyes.

 

Our text from Ephesians states, that the Father,

…worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:20-23, ESV) 

 

Since February, we have been meditating upon the crucifixion and resurrection of our LORD. Now on this day, we take a look at His ascension. We confess that Jesus has died for us, that he lives for us, and that he seats on the throne for us.   In the way of the Catechism we ask, “What does this mean?” We look to the threefold office of Jesus as prophet, priest, and king to find the comfort that this teaching brings.

 

As King, Jesus is in control. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. Yet, by nature we do not like authority. In our own lives we reject Him as King when we sin just like they did when He was hung upon the tree. We want to be the rulers of our own little world and call all the shots. However, when we let sin rule us, we are not in control. We have been deceived. We have found ourselves lured back into the realm of the Evil One. Rather than being the treasured possession of God, we act possessed. Left to ourselves we will be overtaken.

 

We need a King who is more powerful than the devil. Jesus is a gracious and merciful King who brings justice and peace. His desire is that we would live in His kingdom now and into eternity. By the power of the gospel, Jesus calls us out of darkness and takes us into His kingdom to live. We are learning to believe that He is our King who is reigning now on His throne. Jesus promises to be present with His church on earth as He sends her out into the world to bring others into His kingdom. As St. Paul teaches us, the Father has “ put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church," (Ephesians 1:22, ESV) In faith we declare with Paul saying,"The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:18, ESV)

 

As Priest, Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity. His sacrifice on the cross has been accepted as full payment. It is finished. He has fulfilled the law in our stead. In our baptism, we have been anointed as His holy priesthood here on earth. Yet, we continue to find ourselves being shaped by the world and tainted with unholy living  We find it difficult to present our bodies as living sacrifices which is to be our spiritual worship (Rom 12:1-2). Left to ourselves we continued to become deformed.

 

We need a Priest who is able to sympathize with us in our weakness. By the power of the gospel we are being transformed. We are learning to believe that Jesus is the eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. He is compassionate upon us because He shares in our flesh and blood. Thus, He gives to us His body and blood to eat and to drink in order to bestow His holiness upon us. He strengthens our faith and intercedes for us. He opens our lips so that we confess with the Apostle John saying, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1, ESV)

 

As Prophet, Jesus perfectly teaches the word of God to His disciples. In fact, He is the very Word of God incarnate. His message was validated by the miracles that He performed ultimately climaxing in the miracle of His resurrection. Yet, just like those who heard Him in those days, we are slow to listen. We are distracted by the cares of the world and overcome by the trials in our own lives. We are easily misguided and end up in pure philosophical speculations that lead to uncertainty. Left to ourselves we place our hope in our hope and our faith in our faith. We end up confused on what to believe.   

 

We need a Prophet who continues to lead us into all truth. In the written word, we are given certainty and clarity regarding the hope we have in Christ. Moses said that “God would raise up a prophet like Him and we were to listen to Him.” The Father said, “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him.”  Peter said, “Lord to whom shall we go for you alone have the words of eternal life.” Thus, in His Ascension we are told that Jesus continues to send men to preach the word by the power of the Holy Spirit. We know that He is actively involved in the proclamation of the gospel. His voice can still be heard in the gospel that is spoken and read. As Prophet, He continues to tell us, “Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

 

When Jacob found out that Joseph was still alive and had ascended to the right hand of Pharaoh. He was filled with joy. If Jacob was so over taken with joy to be reunited with Joseph in Egypt, how much more should we be filled with joy thinking about dwelling with Christ in heaven forever? Before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed to the Father saying, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24, ESV) We know the desire that Jesus has for us. As Prophet, Priest, and King, His desire is being worked out in us. By the power of the gospel He continues to increase our desire to be with Him. Amen.