Thoughts on the Ascension

e⋅piph⋅a⋅ny -noun

1. sudden perception, realization.

I love those rare, electrifying moments of illumination when the brain fires and births a new perception. The forefront of our mind connects to something tucked in the deep recesses and draws it into our awareness. A new thought is born.

That's what happened to me as I meditated on the Ascension. Imagine the most profound visual effects of a sunburst in the cosmos when Jesus blasted through the atmosphere and returned to rejoicing angels and a waiting Father.

But I digress for that was not the thought I intended to convey. It's just added imagery that's occurring as I tap on these lettered keys.

First, a disclaimer. This is purely my uneducated opinion and an unsubstantiated thought. Now, let's see if I can explain this and make verbal sense out of it.

This particular epiphany is regarding Jesus as the Son of Man. Jesus was born to earth from heaven in the incarnation as the Son of God. Could it be that He was reborn to heaven from earth in the ascension as the Son of Man?

When I say Son of God, be careful to understand that I am not referring to the essence of God that is the Son of the Trinity from eternity.

"Son of Man" is a phrase that teaches us and helps us remember that Jesus can identify with our humanity. I am wondering if there is an added dimension that I have never quite grasped of Jesus as Son of Man. I have always assumed that it was a name given to Him that refers to the fact that He was born of Mary and that He was a descendant of Adam. What if it's more than a title or name but an attribute? Something He attained?

Is it possible that He truly became the Son of Man when He returned in glory, resurrected, to the Father? When He ascended from earth, reborn into the eternity of the heavens, did He become the fulfillment of this essence?

Oh, the riches.....Oh, the depth....Oh, the complex intrigue of our Savior and our God! Who can fathom the mysteries of God? Who can probe the limits of the Almighty? [Jb 11:7]

"But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."[Lk 22:69]

All wisdom is Yours, Omniscient God. All praise is Yours, Perfect Lord. All wonder is Yours, Holy Spirit. My understanding is limited and my comprehension puny, but I believe. You were born and lived as Son of Man and Son of God to save us and You ascended in glory and are enthroned at the right hand of the Father. That is knowledge enough for me. The sign that I know You is love. Turn what I know into love, like the water to wine, poured out for You. In Jesus Name, Amen.