Today is celebrated in the Western Churches as Ascension Day although I think for a large part it passes us by. The Eastern Churches will celebrate it much more next month.

It is probably about 15 years ago that I first gave the day much serious thought. Not sure why, maybe because it is mid week rather than a Sunday; maybe because the tradition in which I was raised seemed to bypass it; maybe because it is difficult to get the mind around. But it is, surely, a part of the comprehensive plan that God has for our Salvation and so needs to be thought about.

A couple of years ago I was in conversation with a couple of folk on the subject and wrote the following to try and consolidate my thoughts.

10. The ascension of Jesus

1. When I think of the ascension,
   many questions come to mind.
   “What” and “How” grab my attention,
   but “Why” is what I need to find.
2. He was taken into heaven,
   a cloud took him up out of sight.
   That he has gone is a given,
   but the descriptions just seem trite.
3. Let’s put aside the question “how,”
   and think about the question “why.”
   I think I see some answers now,
   and may explain them if I try
4. Jesus came to earth from heaven,
   and here fulfilled the Fathers plan.
   Then crucified and arisen
   He returned God, and risen man
5. Jesus promised He would prepare
   a place for all who know his love.
   He went ahead and so is there,
   all is prepared for when we move.
6. Jesus promised that when He went,
   the advocate would come to each
   of his followers, called and sent
   His gospel to both live and preach
7. His spirit remains till this day,
   to be our advocate and guide.
   Teaching us what we think and say,
   when we will keep Him by our side
8. Jesus said he will come again,
   “Look He is coming with the clouds,”
   Juggling with this gives me a pain
   in my head, and so I shout aloud
   COME LORD JESUS. Amen 2nd May 2022