Ascension and Pentecost
Leon SteenkampBased on a sermon by Dr Quintus Heine
There is never a dull moment in South Africa! This has almost become a national catchphrase – and lately, it rings truer than ever. From global headlines, such as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s interaction with President Donald Trump, to fierce debates over the national budget and economic future, the past few weeks have left many South Africans, including believers, feeling shaken.
It is not easy being a Christian in South Africa right now. We are watching, waiting and often wondering: What is going to happen next? What will become of our economy? Our taxes? Our livelihoods?
At ground level, things can feel uncertain, even frightening. But as Christians, we are not left without hope.
Today we celebrate Ascension Day and soon Pentecost Sunday. This provides us with an opportunity to lift our eyes above the chaos and remember eternal truths that reframe everything happening around us.
A living hope rooted in the Ascension
In 1 Peter 1:3-5, the apostle reminds us of a living hope – a hope that is not rooted in wishful thinking or naive optimism, but rather an unshakeable hope grounded in what Jesus has already done and where he is now.
The resurrection proves that death is defeated. However, the Ascension reveals where that victory ultimately leads. Jesus has not only risen, he has ascended to the right hand of the Father, enthroned in glory. He didn’t just leave the earth, but he entered heaven as our high priest, our advocate and king. And that changes everything.
The Ascension confirms our new life in Christ
Peter begins his letter with praise, acknowledging that this living hope did not come from human effort: “In his great mercy he has given us new birth …” (1 Peter 1:3).
Though we are born again through the resurrection, this hope is sealed in the Ascension. Christ’s return to glory is God’s stamp of approval that Jesus’ earthly mission was complete. Nothing can undo that. And because Jesus reigns, we can live with the deep security that our new life in him is real and eternal.
The Ascension gives us a living, reigning hope
Our hope is alive, not only because Jesus is alive, but because he reigns.
When we feel tired, disheartened or lost, we don’t pray to a distant saviour. We call on the risen and ascended Lord who knows our human struggles, intercedes for us and prepares a place for us.
The Ascension teaches us that the battles of this world are not the end of the story. Our hope is not buried in a grave or floating in the clouds – it is anchored in heaven, where Christ is. And because he is on the throne, we no longer need to fear political theatre, crime or broken systems. Our focus is on Christ, not the instability of this world.
The Ascension reminds us of our heavenly inheritance
Peter says we have an inheritance that is imperishable, unspoilt and unfading, kept in heaven for us. That’s not poetic language – it’s a bold contrast to the decay, corruption and uncertainty we see around us.
Every morning, when we wake up to headlines that unsettle us, we can remind ourselves that our inheritance is guarded in heaven by Christ himself. No politician, criminal or global crisis can steal the joy that has been secured for us.
The ascended Christ holds our inheritance. He isn’t distant; he is ruling, preparing a place for us and shaping us for that place.
Ascension is not about absence, it’s about authority
The Ascension does not mean that Christ has left us. It means he has taken his rightful place on the throne.
And because he is on the throne, we are not hopeless. We are heirs of a living hope!
As Pentecost follows, we remember how the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, empowering them to face a broken world with courage, conviction and boldness. So, let us lift our eyes to Christ in these uncertain times. Christ is risen. Christ is reigning! And because of this, we can face whatever comes our way with hope and without fear.
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