“Happy Ascension Day!”

“Happy Ascension Day!”(II Kgs 2:1-15).
Today is Ascension Day. Ascension Day is the fortieth day after Easter. It is believed that the risen Lord Jesus Christ spent forty days appearing to disciples before he was taken up to heaven.
The selected lectionary text for this day is the story of Elijah going up to heaven. There is no direct parallel between Elijah going up to heaven and the Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. Elijah went up to heaven without dying, but Jesus died and was raised to life before going up to heaven.
However, there are some commonalities in both stories that are important for our faith.
Elisha knew that Elijah was to be taken up to heaven, but he insisted on remaining with Elijah.
Elijah tried more than once to separate with Elisha, but Elisha did not budge. Then Elijah asked Elisha, “What can I do for you before I am taken from you?” Elisha replied, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.”
Elijah considered that it was a difficult request, but “If you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours – otherwise, it will not. “
Elisha finally saw when Elijah went up to heaven and the spirit of Elijah rested on him.
Before the Lord Jesus Christ went up to heaven, he promised us the Holy Spirit, who leads us to all the truths. He also serves as our Counsellor.
My friend, we walk by faith and not by sight. By faith, we can see Christ going up to heaven. By faith, we know that the Holy Spirit is with us, and because the Holy Spirit is with us, Christ is still with us.
By faith, we know that Christ is at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for us.
Christ has gone up to heaven, but he has left the Holy Spirit with us in the same way that Elisha inherited Elijah’s mantle and a double portion of his spirit.
With the Holy Spirit, we possess more power and ability than Elisha inherited from Elijah. By faith, we have believed what we have not seen, and because we have believed what we have not seen, we are empowered with the Holy Spirit to do greater works to the glory of God. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is exalted and enthroned on high because he ascended to heaven!
Ascension Day prayer: Holy Spirit, enforce our belief when doubts assail. Amen!
Happy and blessed Ascension Day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
29/05/2025.