A sermon based on Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, and Luke 24:44-53, Rev. Dr. Jon Diefenthaler, Sr Pastor Emeritus, Our Savior Lutheran Church
The risen Lord Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after he rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. Hence, the celebration of “The Ascension of our Lord” this year occurs on Thursday, May 29.
Like most Lutheran congregations in our country, Our Savior does not have an Ascension Day service. There may be a worship opportunity offered by another congregation or even a local circuit that has banded together for this purpose. But the attendance is sure to be slim. Over in the Germany that is the land of Martin Luther, moreover, this sacred day has become a strictly secular holiday.
In any case, Ascension Day still provides an opportunity for us to take hold of the comfort and the hope of which this important moment in the life of Jesus assures us. When he ascended on high, Jesus did not for a moment abandon us or the world around us. On the contrary, as the Son of God, he made himself more available to all of his followers in every place and at any time.
In addition, with his ascension, Jesus took his seat at the “right hand of God the Father almighty” in order to extend his reign as Lord throughout our universe.
For this reason, we let this Sunday of May 25 be a celebration of “The Ascension of Our Lord.” It surely directs our attention to some “good news” (gospel) that we all need to hear these days.
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