Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

Do you see what Paul did with Psalm 68? "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." In Psalm 68, God ascends on high and receives gifts from men. In Ephesians 4, God ascends on high and gives gifts to men! But Paul is not mis-quoting Psalm 68. Rather, Paul is thinking about the whole of Psalm 68 – not just verse 18. He blends verse 18 with verse 35 – because in Jesus God has arisen and ascended – and Jesus is the God who gives power and strength to his people Today is sometimes called "Ascension Sunday." Technically Thursday was Ascension Day – since Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. We could have a special service on Ascension Day – or we could remember it on the following Sunday – which then also sets up Pentecost Sunday next week! But why do we celebrate the Ascension?