Week of May 25, 2025
Ascension: The Toughest Battle, the Greatest Ally
Some days we don’t want to get up at all, and some days it seems that we have to do it all by ourselves. Although the disciples felt that way at first on the day of Jesus’ ascension, today’s Scripture tells us to look up in hope and confidence, for our Lord is still with us through everything. Jesus’ promise about power from the Holy Spirit is ours, for we have been given faith in our great God. Whether we always see the evidence or not, ours is the greatest Ally, for Jesus fights on our behalf against all the powers of darkness.
Monday | Revelation 19:11-16
Happy Memorial Day! On this day, we remember those who have given their lives for the freedom and security that we enjoy in this nation. At the same time, we recognize that there is One of greater power who fights on our behalf for our eternal freedom and security. How has Jesus won the victory over Satan (see verse 13)? What is the weapon that he uses to strike down the evil of the nations (see verse 14)? How does knowing Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords give us security and hope in a world of so much evil and uncertainty?
Tuesday | Ephesians 6:10-18
Who are our greatest enemies? What are examples around us now of the “powers of this dark world” that provide evidence of the invisible spiritual warfare going on around us? What does it mean to you to put on the armor of God? Which aspects of the armor do you think are most important? Why is prayer crucial as we engage in spiritual warfare?
Wednesday | 1 Samuel 17:45-47
The words from the teenage boy David before going up against the Philistine champion Goliath were not only prophetic for this moment in Israel’s history, but also describe the entire salvation history of the Bible. For it is God who won the victory over Israel’s enemies, over the powers of sin, death, and Satan through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and who will win the final victory over evil upon Jesus’ return. Since the “battle is the Lord’s,” as David believed, what did such faith allow him to do? What did such faith allow Jesus to do (see also 1 Peter 2:23)? What does such faith allow you to do?
Thursday | Acts 1:6-11
In the church calendar, today is Ascension Day as God’s people celebrate Jesus’ return to reign in heavenly glory. Pastor Mark noted in his sermon that given that the greatest battles are in the heavenly realms, “where would you want Jesus to be? Well, I would want Him in what the New Testament calls the “heavenlies” exercising His cosmic authority. I would want Him in the supernatural realms, fighting and winning the battles with the powers of evil. And that is exactly where He is. Jesus did not ascend into heaven to become a spectator. Nor does He simply want to supervise while we do all the work. He ascended into heaven in order to rule - in order to exercise His authority over all the forces of evil in this universe.” What was Jesus’ greatest victory over the powers of darkness? (see Colossians 2:15). How do you believe that Jesus continues to fight against Satan? How does he aid and empower you in the battle against temptation, fear, and unbelief?
Friday | Matthew 28:16-20
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave the church its mandate and its confidence. The confidence lies in that he has all authority and that he is with us. The mandate is to make disciples. How does the authority of Jesus over all things impact your life of faith? How does the promise of Jesus to be with us go beyond mere words to your own faith experience? How can every Christian be part of the mission to make disciples for Jesus?
