On the 4th April 2026 I wrote – Tomorrow the Church will celebrate the Ascension of Jusus, some parts of the Church more than others.
It was probably 20 years or so ago when I first seriously thought about it and 4 years ago in response to the question ‘what is it all about’ that I tried to bring my thoughts together. These I wrote down and shared and you will find them at the foot of this document.
Over the last couple of weeks I have been in part because of a few things I have read where I find it difficult to accept. I have read comparisons made to Elijah – 2 Kings 2 11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. Which of course reminded me of this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMRWsOvFwP4
I am not sure that we can compare the two. Elijah was carried away, presumably to heaven without dying a mortal death. Jesus had suffered a cruel death but had risen from death before spending some days on earth before he ascended to Heaven. It seems to me that these are very different experiences and of course Jeus promised that He will come again in similar fashion.
The other comparison I have read again recently is to Enoch Genesis 5 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Again I find it difficult to draw a comparison but maybe some of you know much more than I do.
The thoughts that have most been on my mind have been about the Second Coming of Jesus. It is clearly promised and although many have anticipated that day (including some of the early Christians who expected it in their life time) we do not know when or just how it will happen.
This did take me to thinking about death not least because so many that I have known have passed on from this life in recent times.
I do not look forward to dying; I cannot be sure how it will come, how painful it may be in many ways for me and those around me. I am not sure that I look forward to the only alternative which is being alive when Jesus does return.
What I do look forward to (but not immediately!) is living in the fulness of the new life that Jesus has promised us. I cannot begin to imagine just how it will be but from the glimpses and images that we find in Scripture it will be a place and time (or not time?) of true bliss to be in the presence of God and to worship him.
So, tomorrow try and take a few moments to think about the Ascension of Jesus as well as everything else that He has done for us and praise His name.
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
Occasional thoughts 
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