Based on one’s reckoning of the Crucifixion of Yeshua, your determination of Ascension Day will be different. Some, such as the teachers at FFOZ, are celebrating it today (May 19, 40 of the Omer) based on a Erev Pesach (14 Nisan) Crucifixion. Myself, I hold to a 15 Nisan crucifixion, and so Ascension Day for me will be tomorrow, May 20. According to Christian tradition, which counts Ascension Day from Easter Sunday, Ascension Day this year will be on May 21. Regardless of the actual date, however, the important thing is that Ascension Day is observed and the importance of this event is realized by believers.

Though new to some, the Feast of the Ascension has a long history of observance in Christian tradition. The earliest reference to its observance is the fifth century, though in those documents it is believed to be of apostolic origin. In the Eastern church, it is sometimes referred to as analepsis, the taking up or episozomene, the salvation, due to the fact that the ascension completed the work of redemption. It is considered as important as Pascha and Pentecost. (For more, see the Catholic Encyclopedia’s entry here)

Here is a prayer from The Book of Common Prayer for Ascension Day:

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

I went to Mars Hill a few weeks ago and heard Rob Bell speak on the Holy Spirit. Mars Hill right now has been preaching a Pentecost series. But one point Rob made really struck me, and I think it appropriate for Ascension Day. The disciples asked the question, “Where are you going that we cannot follow?” Why did Christ have to leave us and return to the Father? Why is it so significant that when he left, the Holy Spirit came? Rob’s answer: Presence prevents empowerment.

Christ left so that we might continue the work in a way that we could not if he were here among us. Christ ascends so that we can become the disciples we are made to be. He told his disciples, “You will be my witnesses.” They had seen the Risen Christ and very likely were overflowing with excitement about the coming of the Kingdom and the End of the Age. Yet, they probably didn’t see themselves as the keys to its fulfillment. Afterall, Yeshua is here, he’ll take care of it. But Christ did not choose to do things that way. Instead, he has given the task of proclaiming the Kingdom to us, albeit strengthened and renewed through his Spirit among us.

This Ascension Day, remember that empowerment has been given you from above to continue the work begun by our Master Yeshua. Be his witness.