I love Mark’s account of the Ascension. It’s as if Sargent Joe Friday told him, “Just the facts, Mark. Just give us the facts.” And true to form, Mark delivers. His account of the Ascension is short and sweet. He is matter-of-fact and does not elaborate. He adds no flowery descriptions, nor does he add emotions or sentiments. He simply writes, “So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs” (Mark 16:19-20).
There you have it. Fact number one: Jesus ascended to heaven. Fact number two: His followers went about preaching and working. What do those facts mean for us?
Jesus’s Ascension into heaven is the fulfillment of his mission on earth. Even as it is the realization of the Lord’s saving act for us, it does not mean that his work on our behalf is done. From his place at the Father’s right hand, Jesus continues his work as our intercessor. His return to heaven also showing us our destiny.
The Ascension reminds us that Jesus has done his part and we must do ours. Every aspect of our lives is to proclaim Christ, crucified and risen, who will come again in glory. Until that day, we are to be about the work of building up the Kingdom of God. And that’s a fact.
