Ascension Sunday: 17th May 2026

Psalm 47
Luke 24: 46-53
Hymns: Hail the day that sees him rise and Alleluia Sing to Jesus
Colour: White

Thursday was Ascension Day and so today is Ascension Sunday. The Ascension was an important day in gospel history, and belief in it is a benchmark of orthodoxy as we find it referred to in the creeds. After Jesus rose from the dead, for a period of 40 days he appeared to many people giving convincing proofs of his resurrection. After those 40 days, he no longer really belonged to this world. His time to return to the father had come and he returned to the heavens to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Jesus chose to ascend in the way he did, to show the disciples where he was going, and so that they no longer were expecting him to reappear. It also reminded them that they had a roll to fulfil in taking the gospel to all nations. Some people have been embarrassed by the ascension story, but the disciples needed to see Jesus return to the father. It could have been quite distressing had the post resurrection appearances merely petered out. Instead, Jesus was seen returning to the glory from which he came.

The scene of the ascension was remarkable, particularly because its simplicity.
Spurgeon said that it was” – so unlike what superstition would have devised.
– so quiet – no chariots of fire or horses of fire.
– so majestic – no angels, nor other agents to lend imaginary splendour, but the Lords own power and Godhead in
sublime simplicity working all.”

Jesus before his ascension lifted his hands to bless his disciples and as he was blessing them, he was taken into heaven. During his time on earth Jesus was a blessing to many people. The blessing that Jesus gave while ascending was with great authority. He lifted those hands that bore the nail marks of his crucifixion through which he had paid for the sins of the world. Onlookers could look up and see the price of their blessing and reconciliation to God. The authority of his blessing was seen too as the father received him into heaven. Spurgeon the great “Prince of Preachers” wrote: “This blessing was so full that, as it were, he emptied his hands. They saw those dear hands thus unladed of their benedictions. The blessing was for those beneath him, and beyond the sound of his voice: he scattered benedictions on them all. The blessing was a fit finish of his sojourn here: nothing fitter, nothing better, could have been thought of.”

We can be blessed today as we remember that Jesus is now at Gods right hand on high. That he is reigning in the heavens. The ascension was as it were Jesus` coronation day. It is a blessing indeed to know that at the right hand of God, he prays for us and will one day come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. Jesus prays for us that we might succeed in all the father desires of us. He prays that we might be equipped as we face temptations and difficult periods in life. He is our great high priest and brings us into God’s presence. In the same way that he blessed those he came into contact with long ago he blesses us today.
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power forever and ever.”

Rev Theo Corney