Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. Until He returns to earth to judge the living and the dead, He is sitting at God’s right hand. A new heaven and a new earth will then exist. But how can Jesus’ heavenly location aid you in the interim?
Jesus prays for us
Firstly, Jesus is in heaven seated at the right hand of God to pray for you: “Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). Of course, this promise, like most promises in the Bible, is not for everybody but only for those who trust in Christ. But if you trust in Christ, this is one of the most comforting verses in the Bible. You probably already feel encouraged when a friend says he is praying for you. This verse tells you Jesus is praying for you! Why did Jesus go to heaven? So that He could be really close to the Father to pray for you. What a tremendous good news that is.
Jesus helps us
Secondly, Jesus is in heaven seated at the right hand of God to help us. He is not inactive, but He is actively helping us when we are serving God: “After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it” (Mark 16:19-20). You probably already feel encouraged when a friend is helping you with a difficult task. This verse tells you Jesus is helping you! Why did Jesus go to heaven? So that He could be really close to the Father to help you with God’s power. What a tremendous good news that is.
It makes it easier to focus on spiritual things
Thirdly, Jesus is in heaven seated at the right hand of God so that it is easier for us to focus on spiritual things: “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). We can’t see the things above and therefore often the things of this earth feel more real than the spiritual realm. But we know Jesus. He is a real man, and He is in heaven as a real man. So it is easier for us to picture Jesus than other spiritual realities. And that is okay, for the first thing that Paul says when he tells us set your hearts on things above is: that is where Christ is! So you can do it! Why did Jesus go to heaven? So that it would be easier for you to be focused on heaven. What a tremendous help that is.
It assures us we will reign
Fourth, Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand in heaven, giving us assurance that we are headed toward a glorious future where we will rule alongside Him. “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne,” Jesus declared to the church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:21). What made Jesus ascend to heaven? To reassure you that if you are true to Him, you will receive a throne, just as He did. That is such a great source of encouragement.
How does it help me that Jesus is in heaven?
Remind yourself of all the benefits you receive because Jesus is in heaven whenever you are tempted to think it would be great if He were still here on Earth. Jesus is praying for you from heaven. When you serve God, Jesus is in heaven and will assist you from there. Jesus is in heaven to assist you with your spiritual concentration. To guarantee you that you will receive a throne and rule alongside Him, Jesus is seated on his throne in heaven.
Learn more about: [Jesus’ ascension] & [Jesus seated at God’s right hand]
