On the church year calendar it falls on the 40th day of Easter, 39 days after Easter Sunday, so it's always on a Thursday. It's not a prime day for worship, so most churches acknowledge it during Sunday services.
Some churches hold Ascension worship services today; a long time ago (before cars were invented) I remember attending church with my family almost any time there was a church service.
So it was, a Thursday evening in May when we filed into St. Paul Lutheran Church and took our place in the sanctuary.
I remember Pastor Heinert preaching that night and distinctly remember one part of his message.
He said Ascension gets lost. It isn't as big as Christmas or feel as victorious as Easter, but it's a big deal and should be celebrated. He encouraged us to celebrate.
Now, if that's where it stopped, I probably wouldn't still remember that sermon more than 45 years later.
That evening after church, our family of three walked home, got in the car and went to Dairy Queen to celebrate!
On the original Ascension Day, Jesus commissioned each of his followers with a simple directive:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28: 18 - 20
We read in the Bible that Enoch was taken into heaven and Elijah rode a fiery chariot there, but this third account was most dramatic:
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up his hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.
Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24: 50 - 53
I can just imagine the combination of adrenalin rushing through their veins. They had reason to be afraid for their lives by the same group that crucified their Savior, leader and friend. But, that small band shared the Gospel. Many died for what they believed. That message lives on.
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