“He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.” (Eph. 4:10).
Christ ascended so that he might dispatch such other things that still remained to be done for us. Now such were his intercession, and mediation at the right hand of his Father for us; his giving, and sending, and shedding abroad his Spirit, to take his place and be the Comforter of his people; lastly, the universal government of all things for our good, and the like.
This should direct us in our faith, and aid us to worship or adore Christ; namely, that we do not now think of Christ carnally and in an earthly manner, but worship him in spirit and in truth, as placed in highest glory and divine power in the Heavens.
William Ames said, “Be admonished that we may remove our minds and affections from earthly things, and set them on heavenly things that are above, where Christ our treasure sits at the right hand of the Father — so that our conversation may be there, and with him, (Matt. 6:21; Col 3:1; Phil 3:20).” William Ames, The Substance of Religion.
In what ways do you worship Christ as the ascended Lord? We know he is in heaven, but how does his ascension minister to you? Have your devotions, at any time, ever taken into consideration the realities surrounding Christ’s heavenly ascension?
Contemplation:
God of my end, it is my greatest, noblest pleasure to be acquainted with You and with my rational, immortal soul; it is sweet and entertaining to look into my being when all my powers and passions are united and engaged in pursuit of You, when my soul longs and passionately breathes after conformity to You and the full enjoyment of You; no hours pass away with so much pleasure as those spent in communion with You and with my heart.Help me to consider more intimately, the blessed ascension of the Lord Jesus. Minister that theological truth to my soul. Cause it to be a help to me, and enlarge my heart towards you.
O how desirable, how profitable to the Christian life is a spirit of holy watchfulness and godly jealousy over myself when my soul is afraid of nothing except grieving and offending You, the blessed God, my Father and friend, whom I then love and long to please, rather than be happy in myself! Knowing, as I do, that this is the pious temper, worthy of the highest ambition, and closest pursuit of intelligent creatures and holy Christians, may my joy derive from glorifying and delighting You. I long to fill all my time for You, whether at home or in the way; to place all my concerns in Your hands; to be entirely at Your disposal, having no will or interest of my own. Help me to live to You for ever, to make You my last and only end, so that I may never more in one instance love my sinful self.
