Up | Week 2 | Pastor Kevin Kringel
Lifted Up and Sent Out: Living in the Power of Christ's Ascension
Up
Week 2
Christ’s Ascension is, in a similar way, God passing the torch to His children (disciples).
Anyone who has passed a business or non-profit on to their children or successors knows that for them to be successful, they need to remember the company’s mission and be given the same power and authority the previous owner had, not only to maintain it but also to grow it for future generations.
That leads us to Jesus’ final words: Acts 1:1-11 (Bethany, Mt of Olives),
As Jesus prepares to return to the Father, He doesn’t vanish quietly. He speaks, blesses, and commissions. He ascends, not to leave us behind but to empower us forward. His final words and actions are not a conclusion—they're a launch!
His final words can be summed up in 5 themes:
Matthew 28:18-20 (Galilee, 40-day period): Jesus is transferring His power and mission to us. You were not just saved from something; you were saved for something. Your mission field is where God has placed you (school, home, work, play).
3. Instructions to wait in Jerusalem
-The vision of God requires God. We cannot do it for Him.
-An experience with God that fills you, lights a fire within you, and changes you.
4. Blessing of the Disciples
Luke 24:50-53 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.
He ascends, blessing them with a gesture of priestly affirmation and favor. He is our High Priest, better than Aaron (Hebrews 4, 7, 9, 10) (Aaron’s blessing)
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord (I- Jesus Christ) bless you and keep you; the Lord (I) make His(My) face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord (I) lift up His (My) countenance upon you and give you peace.”
His final visible act was not a command or warning but a blessing.
He doesn’t stop blessing as He ascends; He continues to bless all the way up, reminding us that we are not cursed or forgotten. His face is open to us, not turned away; we are loved.
5. Assurance of His Presence “I will be with you always”- Matthew 28:20
-There will be times that make you doubt it but be assured I am (God) is with you always.
The disciples responded with worship, obedience, and joy (Luke 24:52-53).
How do you respond to this today?
Worship because we see Him high and lifted up, fulfilling the promise to restore us to God.
Obedience, they immediately went to Jerusalem to wait. That’s the first thing they were commanded to do. That would lead to the next. What’s the last thing God commanded you to do? It may be the first thing that connects you to the rest of your destiny.
Joy comes from anticipating being used by God, impacting others, and living a meaningful, purposeful life while eagerly awaiting what God will accomplish in and through you each day. It is a joy to be part of what the Lord is doing on the earth, fulfilling His promise not only to you but to all.
The Ascension
Conclusion:
Jesus did not simply disappear; He ascended in power, entrusting that very power and mission to us. The book of Acts chronicles this incredible journey of mission and power transfer, starting from a small group in an upper room and exploding into a worldwide movement. This movement has a profound ability to challenge false religions and transform kingdoms, extending its reach throughout the entire globe—and this includes your life today. You are not just an observer; you are the living fulfillment of Jesus’ ascension, commission, and blessing. It is our responsibility to carry this legacy forward, taking the mission beyond what those before us accomplished. The time is now for us to embrace this call and make an enduring impact on the world.
Up
Week 2
Christ’s Ascension is, in a similar way, God passing the torch to His children (disciples).
Anyone who has passed a business or non-profit on to their children or successors knows that for them to be successful, they need to remember the company’s mission and be given the same power and authority the previous owner had, not only to maintain it but also to grow it for future generations.
That leads us to Jesus’ final words: Acts 1:1-11 (Bethany, Mt of Olives),
As Jesus prepares to return to the Father, He doesn’t vanish quietly. He speaks, blesses, and commissions. He ascends, not to leave us behind but to empower us forward. His final words and actions are not a conclusion—they're a launch!
His final words can be summed up in 5 themes:
- Promise of the Holy Spirit (His presence and His power – Acts 1:4-8)
- Call to be a witness to the nations (The kingdom of God, not the kingdom of Israel alone vs. 3, 6, 8)
Matthew 28:18-20 (Galilee, 40-day period): Jesus is transferring His power and mission to us. You were not just saved from something; you were saved for something. Your mission field is where God has placed you (school, home, work, play).
- Make disciples – do with others what I have done with you. Continue my work.
- If the expectation is for us to grow His mission, we cannot possess less than what our founder had to begin His mission. (Note: I am referring to mission and ability, not His deity or work of atonement.)
3. Instructions to wait in Jerusalem
-The vision of God requires God. We cannot do it for Him.
-An experience with God that fills you, lights a fire within you, and changes you.
4. Blessing of the Disciples
Luke 24:50-53 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.
He ascends, blessing them with a gesture of priestly affirmation and favor. He is our High Priest, better than Aaron (Hebrews 4, 7, 9, 10) (Aaron’s blessing)
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord (I- Jesus Christ) bless you and keep you; the Lord (I) make His(My) face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord (I) lift up His (My) countenance upon you and give you peace.”
His final visible act was not a command or warning but a blessing.
He doesn’t stop blessing as He ascends; He continues to bless all the way up, reminding us that we are not cursed or forgotten. His face is open to us, not turned away; we are loved.
5. Assurance of His Presence “I will be with you always”- Matthew 28:20
-There will be times that make you doubt it but be assured I am (God) is with you always.
The disciples responded with worship, obedience, and joy (Luke 24:52-53).
How do you respond to this today?
Worship because we see Him high and lifted up, fulfilling the promise to restore us to God.
Obedience, they immediately went to Jerusalem to wait. That’s the first thing they were commanded to do. That would lead to the next. What’s the last thing God commanded you to do? It may be the first thing that connects you to the rest of your destiny.
Joy comes from anticipating being used by God, impacting others, and living a meaningful, purposeful life while eagerly awaiting what God will accomplish in and through you each day. It is a joy to be part of what the Lord is doing on the earth, fulfilling His promise not only to you but to all.
The Ascension
- Confirms Jesus’ victory and authority
- Gives us our mission and the Spirit (ability) to fulfill it
- It anchors our hope in Him, where He is seated victoriously in heavenly places- Ephesians 1:20-21
Conclusion:
Jesus did not simply disappear; He ascended in power, entrusting that very power and mission to us. The book of Acts chronicles this incredible journey of mission and power transfer, starting from a small group in an upper room and exploding into a worldwide movement. This movement has a profound ability to challenge false religions and transform kingdoms, extending its reach throughout the entire globe—and this includes your life today. You are not just an observer; you are the living fulfillment of Jesus’ ascension, commission, and blessing. It is our responsibility to carry this legacy forward, taking the mission beyond what those before us accomplished. The time is now for us to embrace this call and make an enduring impact on the world.