Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Romans 8:34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
THE ASCENDED JESUS INTERCEDES FOR US
This Thursday will mark 40 days since the celebration of Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. Therefore, this Thursday will also mark the celebration of Jesus' Ascension. As the disciples watched, the very Man they had seen die and reawaken from death began to rise into the sky. The disciples watched until they could no longer see beyond the clouds. Then they noticed two angels standing with them. The angels told them that the ascended Jesus would come back again in the same way He went: visibly, in person, in His body.
With Christ's humiliation ended and his work of redemption accomplished, we might wonder, "What now? What is Jesus up to? What sort of activities is our Savior engaged in now that he has ascended back into heaven?"
For one thing, we're told that he is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for us! Jesus did not go to heaven after his earthly ministry to "take a break" from his work as our Good Shepherd. Although Christ's work to secure the world’s justification was completed on the cross, as evidenced by his cry "It is finished!" (John 19:30), his care for his redeemed children will never be finished.
Each day we are in desperate need of Jesus' interceding work before his Father in heaven. Because of our many sins we have many accusers. Many who would attempt to condemn us before our Holy God. Satan (that name means "accuser") is accusing us, pointing out our sins and failings before God. Even our own hearts condemn us when we realize our own unworthiness to stand before the Lord of all creation. But the accusations fall upon deaf ears in heaven because Jesus' work on the cross paid our sin-debt in full; God the righteous judge looks upon you as truly righteous. Through faith you have been given the perfect righteousness of Jesus. Your account has been stamped PAID IN FULL! Who can condemn us? No one. Our ascended Jesus sits at the Father's right hand holding his full attention. There he intercedes on our behalf. Forever.
Alleluia! Bread of heaven, Here on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! Here the sinful Flee to You from day to day.
Intercessor, Friend of sinners, Earth’s Redeemer, hear our plea
Where the songs of all the angels Sweep across the crystal sea.
Alleluia! Not as orphans Are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us; Faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him When the forty days were o'er,
Never shall we lose His promise: "I am with you evermore!" Amen.
(Worship Supplement 2000, 738:2-3)
