Written by: Gerda Potgieter
Article source: www.ksb.org.za
“No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.”
(John 3:13)
For Christians, Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is a Christian day which has for many decades doubled as a public holiday in South Africa but is still celebrated in some countries as a Christian public holiday. Although Ascension Day is no longer a public holiday in South Africa, to Christians it will always be a special day to remember the Lord’s ascension to be exalted as Lord and Christ, and seated at the right hand of God – He to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given.
Sadly, few of us appreciated the significance of celebrating Ascension Day until the government abolished it as a public holiday. It is, however, disappointing that instead of lifting Jesus higher, certain sacred public holidays have been replaced with celebrations that celebrate ‘mankind’ instead, such as ‘Human Rights Day’. It is no wonder we see and hear more and more people ask, ‘Why is there so much corruption, crime and violence in our society? Why is there so much immorality, even in the church? Why are we seeing so many moral failures and scandals amongst leaders in business, in every level of government and even in the church?’ It has dire consequences for communities.
At a Ministers’ Conference held earlier this year, Christian leaders expressed the importance of ‘lifting Jesus up’ on Ascension Day. The conference was attended by Christian leaders from across the country, Africa and across the globe. A powerful message which was conveyed at the conference was a reminder to all Christian leaders that Jesus was on earth to make disciples of all nations and that all powers have been given to Him. This inspired them to act. The KwaSizabantu Mission in the Kranskop area, KwaZulu-Natal, subsequently took the lead and started to organise the first PHAKAMISA UJESU/ LIFT JESUS HIGHER March for Thursday, 18 May 2023, on Ascension Day.
The march was a call for Christians to act and unite; to let Jesus be lifted up and to let everybody know that there is no name like the name of Jesus Christ. An open invitation was sent out to all Christians to join the march and let their voices be heard. The march was planned to kick off in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Those who could not attend this march were requested to arrange similar marches in their own areas to create a ripple effect throughout the country. Alternatively, they were advised to gather in a public park or roadside, pass on the message on a poster and pray in unity.
Thursday, 18 May saw the first march of an envisaged annual march to lift Jesus higher. It had a ripple effect. In Durban, the main march started with more than five hundred people. It commenced at 11:00 at King Dinizulu Park. From there it proceeded down DR Pixley Kaseme St (West) to the City Hall where it ended at 13:00. Other cities and towns also arranged similar marches in their areas in celebrating what Jesus has done for us: Pretoria, Schoemansdal, Vereeniging, Welkom, Cape Town and the tranquil town in Mossel Bay, Grootbrak River.
Various organisations came on board to celebrate Ascension Day in this way. The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) was the first organisation that came on board under the leadership of its founder, Dr Kenneth Meshoe. The ACDP was followed by the Association for Christian Media (ACM), the Frontline Fellowship and the Africa Christian Network, under the leadership of Dr Peter Hammond. Pastors from churches also attended.
Dr Peter Hammond was asked to provide inputs in preparation for Ascension Day. He highlighted the missing pillars of faith and pointed out, ‘It is absolutely vital that we include Ascension Day and Pentecost Sunday into our Christian calendar. This is what is all too often missing. 40 Days after Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the Ascension of Christ into Heaven. He is alive forevermore and He is exalted and enthroned at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. He is above every other name and authority in Heaven and on Earth. Jesus Christ is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. We have an Advocate in Heaven. He hears our prayers. He will crush all His enemies. He will come again. Therefore, we must go and make disciples of all nations.’
Dr Peter also pointed out an important aspect of Ascension Day, which deals with authority, and said, ‘There is no area of life that is outside of His authority. Every doctor, teacher, policeman, businessman, parliamentarian, factory worker, farmer, mother, father, magistrate and supreme court judge will have to individually stand before Almighty God on the Day of Judgment and give an account of our lives.’ Hopefully, all the Christian doctors, teachers, policemen, businessmen, parliamentarians, factory workers, farmers, mothers, fathers, magistrates and supreme court judges will next year join this movement that has been long outstanding.
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Date published: 23/05/2023
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