To Your Advantage
Read: John 16:5-16 If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. (v. 7) In the musical Mary Poppins, the Banks family hires Mary to impose
Ben Van Arragon May 25, 2025
Do you ever feel caught between the chaos of earth and the hope of heaven? On Ascension Day, we celebrate the return of Jesus from earth to heaven. This often overlooked day on the Christian calendar reminds us that Jesus bridges the gap between earth and heaven, offering us the promise of restored communion with God. This series explores the profound significance of Christ’s ascension and its implications for our lives today.
Through this series, learn how Jesus’s ascension completes the work of salvation and initiates the restoration of heaven and earth. From the garden of Eden to the new creation in Revelation, the Bible tells the story of God’s persistent work to reunite humanity with himself. Ascension Day marks Jesus’s enthronement as our advocate in heaven and the sending of his Spirit to empower us on earth.
Each day invites you to reflect on key moments in Scripture, such as the opening of heaven to prophets, the tearing of the temple curtain, and the ultimate promise of a new heaven and earth. You’ll discover how Christ’s ascension transforms our longing for home, gives us confidence in his presence, and calls us to live as ambassadors of his kingdom.
Set aside time to celebrate the hope and power of Ascension Day. Let this journey deepen your understanding of God’s plan to unite heaven and earth and inspire you to live as a citizen of his eternal kingdom. Heaven is near, and Jesus is reigning!
Read: John 16:5-16 If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. (v. 7) In the musical Mary Poppins, the Banks family hires Mary to impose
Read: John 20:11-21 Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended. (v. 17) In my final year of swimming lessons, I learned some basic lifeguarding skills. My
Read: Acts 1:1-11 As they were looking on, he was lifted up. (v. 9) The account of Jesus’s ascension feels like a brief interlude between far more important biblical events.
Read: Acts 8:26-39 The Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away. (v. 39) The first time I went to a magic show, I was mesmerized as the magician made objects
Read: Philippians 3:12-21 Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior. (v. 20) I recently read an interview with a retired US ambassador. As an ambassador,
Read: Hebrews 10:11-23 We have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus. (v. 19) My first sleepover did not go according to plan. The friend who
Read: Revelation 21:1-6, 22-26 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. (v. 1) My wedding day was chaotic. It was marked by torrential rain. When the flowers
Ben Van Arragon is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. After twenty years of congregational ministry, he now serves his denomination as a pastor wellbeing consultant in Grand Rapids, Michigan.