Ascension Day devotion

A Devotion for Ascension Day

May 14, 2026

East of the old city of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley, is a high ridge called Olivet (the Mount of Olives), appropriately named for the beautiful groves of olive trees that covered it. Some of the most significant Biblical events happened on its slopes. When David's son, Absalom, seized control of Jerusalem from him, David and his loyal followers fled the city and climbed up the Mount of Olives, “weeping as they went.” (2 Samuel 15:30)

The village of Bethany, home of Jesus' dear friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, was situated on Olivet's eastern slope, so Jesus would often visit them there whenever he was in Jerusalem. It was in Bethany that he restored Lazarus to life and spoke the comforting words, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live...” (John 11:25). It was on Olivet's western slope that Jesus looked across the valley toward the city of Jerusalem and wept (Matthew 23:37-39). And it was there that Jesus prayed to the Father, “Not my will, but thine be done,” on the night that he was betrayed (Luke 22:42). But the most significant event that happened on the Mount of Olives was the event we observe forty days after Easter—the Ascension of Our Lord.

Acts 1:6-11

...When the apostles had met together, they asked Jesus this question-- “Master, is this the time when you intend to re-establish the kingdom for Israel?” His answer was, “It is not for you to know times or hours, for the Father has reserved these for his own decision, but you will receive power, when the Holy Spirit will have descended on you, and will be witnesses for me not only in Jerusalem, but throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the the ends of the earth.”

No sooner had Jesus said this than he was caught up before their eyes, and a cloud received him from their sight. While they were still gazing up into the heavens, as he went, suddenly two men, clothed in white stood beside them, and said, “People of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the heavens? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into the heavens,will come in the same way in which you have seen him go into the heavens. [OEB]

Ponder for a few moments the significance of our Savior's ascension into heaven.

• It means that Christ's mighty work of redemption is completed.
• It testifies that the Lord whom we serve is above all earthly rulers and powers. Earthly rulers may enjoy their moment of glory, but our Savior is King of the Universe forever.
• It assures us that our prayers are heard in heaven, for he who intercedes for us is seated at the Father's right hand.
• It promises a mansion in the Father's house, for Jesus has gone there to prepare a place for you.
• It comforts us with the blessed assurance that he will come again to take us to himself.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord and praise God for his mighty acts. Rejoice in your heart and in the very depths of your soul today, for your Redeemer is in heaven, where he reigns as victorious Lord of all.

Oh, and by the way—do you know where the Bible says the King is going to stand when the saints go marching in? See Zechariah 14:4. Then ask yourself, “Isn't it amazing how it took 16 centuries for the Bible to be completed, yet how perfectly it all falls into place?”

Prayer

Gracious Lord and Savior, when you had completed your redeeming work on earth, fulfilling the Father's will, you were taken up into heaven to reign in glory at the Father's right hand. Pour out anew on those who love you the gift of the Holy Spirit. Empower us and send your disciples into the world to bear witness to your saving grace. Set our minds on things above, and let your Spirit guide our steps until the promised day of your return, when we will finally see you face to face. Amen.