“...and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." Ephesians 1:19-23
POINTS OF CONSIDERATION:
1. The priestly work of Jesus as the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) was completed in His single act of sacrifice upon the cross for our sins (Hebrews 10:12-14). The priestly work of the ascended Savior, who is praying for His church and continuously replenishing us by the power of the Holy Spirit, is an ongoing work.
"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Hebrews 1:3
"Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25
"Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." Romans 8:34
2. The Holy Spirit has been poured out upon His people by virtue of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
"So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." John 16:22
3. Christ rules as our King.
“This prayer with this ringing note of confidence would have proven to be especially comforting to recipients of this letter. Many were converted from a background of magic, the Artemis cult, or astrological beliefs. It appears that Ephesians was written to a group of churches which needed help in developing a Christian perspective on Christ's superior ability to the rulers and authorities and to encourage them in their ongoing struggles with these spirits – forces. ‘The common feature in the midst of this religious diversity was that people had extraordinary fear of hostile spiritual powers. Paul's prayer presupposes and emphasizes the supremacy of God's power through Christ.” Pillar New Testament Commentary, p. 135
4. The ascension assures us that the incarnation continues. The pledge of all that we are to become is seen in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus from the dead.
5. The ascension of Jesus, His reigning power, and the replenishment and refreshment He brings to His people leads to rest, freedom, and focus.
Of what advantage to us is Christ's ascension into heaven?
ANSWER: "First, that He is our advocate in the presence of His Father in heaven; secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that He, as the head, will also take up to Himself, us, His members; thirdly, that He sends us His Spirit as an earnest, by whose power we 'seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and not things on earth.'" Heidelberg Catechism, question 49
“The ascension is the story of a body moving to Heaven. It is not an escape from the bodily realm, but the entry of humanity - in all our physicalness - into heaven, the sphere of God. Far from dimensioning the importance of the body, ascension is the ultimate affirmation of bodily existence. The Son of God himself has a body – not as a historical convenience, but as a permanent presence in Heaven.” Chester & Woodrow, The Ascension: Humanity in the Presence of God, p. 60
"If this is a priestly benediction, why the different reactions to the Aaronic blessing received in Numbers 6:24-26 and Luke 24:50-51? I think the differences point not away from seeing Jesus as giving the Aaronic benediction but to his fulfilling it. Whereas Aaron could lift his arms and pray for God’s face to shine on the people, in seeing Jesus ascending into the heavens these believers saw the actual face of God shining. While they had heard of God’s graciousness, now they had seen him who is Gracious. While they had held out for God’s lifted countenance, they now saw it actualized. While they had longed for the peace promised in the benediction, they now knew him who was Peace. The great High Priest came and not only pronounced the benediction, but he became the benediction…Those who saw the ascension witnessed the personification of Aaron’s benediction in Jesus Christ!” Kelly M. Kapic, Receiving Christ’s Priestly Benediction: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Exploration of Luke 24:50-53