FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024
Forty days after the cross, Jesus ascended to heaven. As he went up, a cloud hid him. While the disciples watched him ascend, they were certainly full of amazement tinted with sadness, and yet with joy as well! Then, two angels appeared next to them and told them that this same Jesus will come back from heaven (Luke 24:50-51; Acts 1:9-11).
The Bible describes Christ’s ascension, declaring that Jesus went through the heavens and now is sitting “at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Mark 16:19; Hebrews 1:3).
Muslims believe that Jesus somehow ascended to heaven. The Quran mentions the ascension two times but gives no details. Muslims usually avoid the subject and just state that today Jesus is alive in heaven.
Yet, for the followers of Christ, Jesus’ ascension demonstrates important realities. Why did he go up to heaven?
• To go back home to be with God the Father, where he had come from (John 3:2)
• To send us the Holy Spirit (John 16:7)
• To be our intercessor (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25)
• To prepare a place for us in heaven (John 14:2-3)
PRAYER
Glory and honor and majesty and power to him who sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, who was, and is, and is to come, forever the King of kings and Lord of lords.
As you, Lord Jesus, have revealed your glory from ages past to millions who have become your faithful followers, I pray that you will reveal your glory to multitudes of Muslims so they can follow you.
In our modern world, Muslims are everywhere around us. They are conspicuous. We see them. We hear them. They are often in the limelight. Lord Jesus, please draw them to the cross. Fill them with the Holy Spirit and with zeal to declare to others the good news that you offer life to all who believe in you. May the name that is above every name be declared in every Muslim society and group. May they acknowledge you as the only Lord and Savior of humankind. Amen.
PROMISE
This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will himself return in the same way that you saw him going there (Acts 1:11, SEB).