Ascension Day: Psalm 93

 Today, I’m taking a small step back in the liturgical year and looking at the Psalm for Ascension Day, which was May 18. We are almost through the season of Easter. Pentecost is May 28. This Sunday is the final Sunday of Easter. For me, Ascension Day prepares us for Pentecost. The Gospel (Luke 24:44-53) records Jesus telling his followers I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

The first reading, from Acts 1:1-11 elaborates on the scene a bit further. The author of Acts says Jesus told those gathered, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. The Epistle (Ephesians 1:15-23) says that the result of this is God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

The Psalm talks about God in splendor and being praised by the waters. We are reminded God is mightier than the breakers of the sea, mightier is the Lord who dwells on high. The International Children’s Bible simply says, the ocean waves are powerful. But the Lord above is much greater. Having just spent ten days aboard a ship, I have a new appreciation for the wideness of the sea and the power of waves. Even though we didn’t experience any massive waves, it was still awe-inspiring to stand on deck and watch the waves nearby and further out. We had times when we were not in sight of any shore and to see water stretching away to the horizon in all directions certainly makes you feel pretty small.

Then there were the rides to certain piers in the ship’s tenders—the small craft that shuttle back and forth when there isn’t a dock or water is too shallow for a big cruise ship. Bouncing through the waves when they are at eye level is a different experience from looking at them from five stories or more above the water.

When on board a ship you must trust that the captain or tender crew know their job and will get you safely where you need to be. And indeed, that proved the case. Sometimes we don’t trust God that much, though. Psalm 93 ends with the declaration Your testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever and for evermore. When I begin to doubt that God is in control, I need to pause and realign my heart. God has promised to be with us. God sent Jesus as evidence of God’s love.

The writer of the Letter to the Church at Ephesus notes, I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.

God’s wisdom and love are available at any time thanks to the gift of the Holy Spirit. We can trust God’s promises and power and protection even more than we can trust the skill of a cruise ship captain and crew. As Psalm 93 reminds us, the Lord is clothed in majesty and armed with strength.

Will you trust the strength and unchanging holiness of God to get you through the day?

Is there a part of this Psalm that gives you hope or inspiration?

Psalm 93 1 The Lord is King; he has put on splendid apparel; the Lord has put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. 2 He has made the whole world so sure that it cannot be moved; 3 Ever since the world began, your throne has been established; you are from everlasting. 4 The waters have lifted up, O Lord, the waters have lifted up their voice; the waters have lifted up their pounding waves. 5 Mightier than the sound of many waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea, mightier is the Lord who dwells on high. 6 Your testimonies are very sure, and holiness adorns your house, O Lord, for ever and for evermore. (Book of Common Prayer)

The Lord is king. He is clothed with majesty. The Lord is clothed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is set, and it cannot be moved. Lord, your kingdom was set up long ago. You are everlasting. Lord, the seas rise up. The seas raise their voice. The seas lift up their pounding waves. The sound of the water is loud. The ocean waves are powerful. But the Lord above is much greater. Lord, your laws will stand forever. Your Temple will be holy forevermore. (International Children’s Bible)