Empire and the Ascension - The Political Implications

Acts 1

I told you to wait. Here it comes😜

I heard that a little boy in Sunday School described the ascension as Jesus evaporating 😂 DED. 

The text in Acts frames its moral instruction as the response of faith to Jesus’ exaltation. The Ascension of Jesus holds deep political implications that challenge our understanding of power, authority, and the nature of God's kingdom. As I studied this text this year, I explored the political dimensions of the Ascension, examining its subversive message of hope, justice, and a transformative vision for society. 

The Political Context: 

To comprehend the political significance of the Ascension, we must first consider the historical context. Jesus lived and ministered under the oppressive Roman Empire, a regime characterized by dominance, hierarchy, and exploitation. In this era, power and authority were centralized, and any dissent was met with brutal suppression. This sounds so familiar...

Against this backdrop, the Ascension of Jesus - who did not ascend to an earthly throne - emerges as a subversive act, challenging the political norms of the time. Jesus' ascent signifies his authority and sovereignty, not in an earthly sense but in a transcendent, divine way. It proclaims that the true power lies with God's kingdom (as originally meant to be understood), which operates on different principles than those of the earthly systems. 

It's getting heated! 

I really like Jesus!

Jesus did not ascend to an earthly throne, so, the Ascension signals the inauguration of God's kingdom, a transformative vision for society rooted in justice, love, and reconciliation. 

This kingdom surpasses political boundaries and embraces people of all nations, races, and backgrounds. It dismantles divisions and invites us to participate in building a society based on God's values.

So, what are the implications for politics today?

Excellent question! The politics of the Ascension have enduring relevance in our contemporary world, prompting us to reflect on our own political engagement and the pursuit of justice. We are called to critically examine the structures of power within our societies, recognizing when they perpetuate inequality, oppression, and injustice. The Ascension reminds us that our ultimate allegiance lies with a structure that compels us to challenge and transform systems that devalue human dignity. This means advocating for the marginalized, amplifying their voices, and working towards inclusive policies that promote the common good. We are called to actively participate in building a society that reflects God's values, promoting compassion, equity, and solidarity. No wonder the ascension pissed off empire!!

The Roman Empire prided itself on its military might, political dominance, and absolute authority over its subjects. The ascension of Jesus presented a direct challenge to this imperial authority. Then, there is the practice of emperor worship that was a prominent aspect of Roman culture and demanded loyalty and submission to the empire. However, the early Christians, fueled by their belief in the work of Jesus, said, "hell, nah." Their allegiance to Christ undermined the perceived power and divinity of the Roman Emperor, further infuriating the empire. 

Don't forget the threat to the social order. SMH. Christianity (the Jesus version), with its radical message of love, equality, and inclusion, challenged the hierarchical structure of Roman society. Jesus emphasized the worth and dignity of every individual, thereby undermining the oppressive systems of the empire. This message resonated with the marginalized and oppressed, sowing seeds of discontent among those who benefited from the existing power dynamics.

The kingdom of God as demonstrated by Jesus prioritized justice, mercy, and compassion, offering a stark contrast to the oppressive rule of the empire. As the message of this alternative kingdom spread, it threatened the stability and control that the Roman authorities sought to maintain. Ooops! The Roman Empire was vigilant about maintaining security and suppressing any potential threats to its dominion. The rapid growth of Christianity, fueled by the ascension of Jesus and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, was seen as a destabilizing force. The gatherings of believers and their refusal to conform to Roman customs raised suspicions and increased the empire's perception of the nascent Christian movement as a threat to its security.

The disciples of Christ are called to inhabit this same cruciform nature we see in Jesus - unless we believe that Jesus evaporated and all his work with him.... I join with Bro. Bob, and say, "Cum we go charnt dung Babbilan wan more time!"

I would love to talk with you more about how the kingdom of God transcends political boundaries and embraces people of all nations, races, and backgrounds and its implications for fostering unity and dismantling divisions in our societies. 

Drink your water and say something in the comments. Let's talk about it. 

#ascension #womanscholar