God both there and here

Robert Browning once comfortingly penned, “God’s in His heaven - All’s right with the world.” (from Pippa’s Song) It strikes me that he only deals with half of the story.

Today is the feast of the Ascension, forty days after Easter. Always a Thursday because Easter is always a Sunday. On this day we remember that Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, ascended to the Father in heaven. Many of the lectionary texts, especially the appointed Psalm focus on the authority, rule and reign of God –

"For the Lord Most High is to be feared;
he is the great King over all the earth.”" Psalm 47:2

"O Lord, our Lord, how exalted is your Name in all the earth." Psalm 8:1

In the Ascension of Jesus we see the Son returning to the Father to rule and reign with him. God’s in his heaven – All’s right with the world. And that is a comforting thought amid trial and temptation.

But it is only half the story. While he is in his heaven he is here among us. Jesus said to the disciples, “if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you. But if I go I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)

Jesus, just before his ascension promises that he will be with us always. He ascends to the Father and sends us the Holy Spirit so that God’s in His heaven and God’s on his earth. At the feast of the Ascension I am reminded of Jesus’ rule and authority with the Father, his transcendence. I am also reminded of his very real presence with us, his immanence. Both are profoundly comforting

Both of these realities are captured in the Collect for Ascension Day in the Book of Common Prayer:

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, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.