Why celebrate Jesus' ascension?

Bonus! If you'd rather listen to today's post you can do so by clicking on the following Youtube link! 

This week we have an opportunity to gather for a focused time of worship of our great God. The focus of our worship will be on the significance of Jesus' ascension. 

I recognize many of you will have now thought "who cares?" or "why is that a big deal?" or "I've never heard of celebrating the ascension". 

In recognition of these sorts of sentiments I'm going to preview and provoke a few questions that we will dive into together in worship on Thursday. 

What is the significance of Jesus' ascension? 

Why does Jesus ascending into heaven matter? 

If Jesus didn't ascend, would that change our faith? 

If Jesus didn't ascend, would that change who Jesus was? 

If Jesus didn't ascend, how could we be sure that his claim to be from God the Father was true? 

If Jesus didn't ascend, where is his body? 

If Jesus didn't ascend, why doesn't he reveal himself presently in our world? 

If Jesus didn't ascend, why doesn't he heal his people suffering around the world? 

How does Jesus' ascension give us hope presently? 

How does the reality of Jesus' ascension help those of us who are suffering? 

What does the ascension of Jesus have to do with our lives after death? 

Why did the disciples worship Jesus and praise God with great joy after Jesus just left? (Luke 24:50-53)

I worry a little bit that in our attempts to spread the news of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, we have cut out, missed out, or left out the glorious realities secured by Jesus in his ascension. If you don't think the ascension is that big of a deal, or if you've never heard why the ascension is a big deal, or if you know it's a big deal and want to praise God for his faithfulness manifested in the ascension of Jesus, then I invite you, challenge you, and welcome you to join us this Thursday for our time of worship. 

If you are unable to join us, a video of the worship service will go live on Youtube on Thursday night or Friday morning.