The Significance of Ascension (Hebrews 8:1-13)
On Thursday we celebrated the Ascension of Christ. It is a day when he was lifted up to heaven as we read in Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:6-11. While they were with him, he blessed them and parted to heaven. The two men robbed in white told the disciples that “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. I believe that the disciples asked themselves a question, what next. They went back to Jerusalem and entered the upper room. The results of which, we shall share on the Pentecost Sunday. What then is the significance of Ascension?
The ascension reminds us that Jesus’ earthly ministry had come to an end. He was no longer going to move physically among the people and perform physical miracles but will now work through the power of the Holy Spirit among his disciples. His mission to die o the cross for the sins of humanity was already done. He became the mediator of the new and better cove- nant, he is the high Priest seated in heaven at the right hand of God. This is evidence of the sit of honor and majesty (Hebrews 8:1-2, Eph 1:20-23, Col 1:18). This day marked the return of his glory which had been emp- tied on the cross and also set a pattern for his return. He will come again not to deal with sin but to save those who are waiting for him (Heb 9:28)
His ascension abolished the old sacrificial system. Jesus did not re- quire a sacrificial lamb to sacrifice as earthly priests did, he was the victim and the sacrifice. We do not need to draw our attention to the Priests who only went to the holy of holies once a year with the blood to sacrifice for himself and the people, we can now approach the throne with confidence because our sins are forgiven through faith in Christ Jesus who died for us and who is eternally seated on the throne.
Jesus became the high Priest of the true sanctuary as we see in verse 5. The earthly tabernacle was a shadow of the real one (Exodus 25:40) made according to the laws and regulations given on the mountain. This reminds us to shift our attention from the world and set our minds above where Christ is seated (Col 3:1-3), we need to cultivate a heavenly vision consistently and deliberately with heavenly priorities (Luke 12:15-21), not storing our treasure here on earth where moth and rust will damage them. Jesus introduced a better covenant with better promises, the law is no longer on stones but on the tablet of the heart (Jeremiah 31:31-34). This new law brings transformation from within; it sanctifies and purifies us to prepare us for eternity. This new established covenant cultivates intimacy between believers and God verses 10-11. Because Christ is highly exalt- ed, everyone has access to him at any time. Through prayer and reading of the word we can have true fellowship with him. He ascended and yet
with us at all times in the person of the Holy Spirit. May God bless you. The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye
The Provost