Ascension Day & King’s Birthday Weekend

Ascension: Hallelujah! Hosanna! To the King be the Glory Forever and Ever. Amen.

This Thursday, 29 May, is marked in the Church calendar as Ascension Day—the day we remember Jesus returning to heaven, where He “is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers in submission to Him” (1 Peter 3:22). Two angels appeared to the disciples and gave this powerful promise:

“This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)

I spoke on this last Sunday, and among many highlights of Ascension, the following two continue to inspire me deeply:

1. Ascension gives us Assurance and Hope: “He will return.”

Jesus, our High Priest, continually intercedes for us, presenting our needs and concerns before the Father. The Ascension gives us confidence in our prayer life, knowing that Jesus, our Saviour and High Priest, is always interceding for us (Romans 8:34).

2. Ascension invokes Power in the Name of Jesus:

The Scriptures remind us of the unmatched authority and saving power in His name:

• “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” – Philippians 2:10
• “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12
• “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13

King’s Birthday Weekend

This weekend we also observe King’s Birthday Weekend, with a public holiday on Monday as New Zealand remains part of the Commonwealth.

Did you know King Charles has a wide range of interests? These include, watercolour painting, gardening, watching performance arts, caring for bees, horse riding, and playing polo. He’s also a strong advocate for conservation and sustainable living.

It would be good to offer a prayer for our King, who is also the head of the Protestant Church in England. Pray that he may stand firm in Christian principles, draw closer to the Lord, and listen for His voice.

On another note, next week is Samoan Language Week. So go Moana Pasifika!

And next time I see you, try a simple greeting: Talofa! Talofa lava! O a mai ‘oe? Manuia le aso!
(Lovely to see you! How are you? Have a great day!)

If you’re travelling over the long weekend, please drive safely, especially with the rough weather forecast.