We Believe: Jesus Ascended into Heaven

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."- Acts 9:3-5 

Reflection 

The ascension of Jesus is one of the most significant events in Christian belief, affirming not only His divinity but also His ongoing presence in the lives of His followers. When the risen Christ was taken up into Heaven, He was not leaving behind a world in chaos, but rather completing His earthly ministry and beginning a new chapter for His Church. Jesus' ascension is not a departure as much as a transformation—His presence is no longer bound by time and space, but available to all believers, everywhere and always. 

The story of Saul’s encounter on the road to Damascus provides a powerful illustration of Jesus’ ascended authority and His continued work. Though Jesus had returned to the Father, He was far from distant. In glory, He saw Saul’s actions and intervened directly, calling Saul by name, confronting his heart, and redirecting his life’s purpose. In this moment, Heaven touches earth, and the ascended Christ reveals Himself as Lord over all—able to transform even the most unlikely lives for His purpose. 

Jesus’ ascension assures us that He is enthroned in Heaven, interceding for us (Romans 8:34), preparing a place for us (John 14:2-3), and sending His Spirit to empower us (Acts 1:8). The ascension is not the end of Jesus’ story, but the beginning of ours as His Church, entrusted to continue His mission with the promise of His power and presence. Like Ananias, we are invited to listen, trust, and obey—even when the path is unexpected or uncomfortable—knowing that our risen and ascended Lord is guiding every step. 

Personal Application 

Believing in Jesus' ascension means living as though He truly reigns and is present with us always. It means trusting that He sees us, knows our struggles, and is working for our good even when circumstances are difficult to understand. The story of Saul reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of Christ’s grace or the scope of His mission. The same Jesus who appeared to Saul desires to reveal Himself in our lives and use us, no matter our past, for His glory. 

So often, we live as if Jesus is distant, far removed from our daily realities, instead of acknowledging His active, sovereign role. Like Ananias, we may hesitate when God calls us to step out in faith, especially toward those we fear or do not understand. Yet, the ascended Jesus is always at work, inviting us to participate in His redemptive plan for the world. Our challenge is to respond, "Here I am, Lord," and trust Him to do what only He can. 

Following the ascended Christ is an invitation to courageous faith—a call to move beyond our comfort zones, to see others through His eyes, to pray and act with the confidence that He is truly Lord of all. It is an assurance that, though we cannot see Him with our eyes, we can trust His promises and presence in our hearts. 

Thought-Provoking Questions 

1. How does believing in the ascension of Jesus shape your understanding of His presence and authority in your daily life? 
2. Where in your life do you need to trust that the risen and ascended Christ is truly at work, even when you do not see immediate answers? 
3. What steps can you take to respond like Ananias—open, obedient, and willing even when God’s call feels risky or uncomfortable? 
4. How might the truth of Jesus’ ascension change your perspective on your prayers, your relationships, and your calling in the world? 

Prayer 

Lord Jesus, You are the risen and ascended King, ruling with power and love from Heaven. Thank You that You see us, know us, and call us by name. Help us to trust in Your presence and to walk in the assurance that You are always with us, guiding and empowering us by Your Spirit. Give us courage to obey, hearts that are open, and faith that is bold like Ananias. Use us for Your glory and help us to live each day in the reality of Your ascension. In Your name we pray, Amen. 

Written by Sarah Leasure