Forty days after Jesus rose from the dead on Easter, he ascended bodily to heaven. "God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior" (Acts 5:31).

In going to heaven, Jesus did not abandon his people on earth. Shortly before ascending, he promised, "Surely I am with you always" (Matthew 28:20). While physically present on heaven's throne, Christ is also present by his Spirit in every Christian heart and home. That's why many have a motto declaring, "Christ is the head of this house, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener in every conversation." The head of the universe is head of the home. This awareness transforms daily life together.

It is also the ultimate comfort in loss. Our little daughter Rebekah lay in a hospital for more than five months and died in our arms on Ascension Day, 1988. She arrived in heaven on the day marking Jesus' own arrival in heaven. We grieve that Rebekah is not with us, but we rejoice that Rebekah is with Jesus, the true head of our family.

Stephen, the first Christian to die for his faith, "looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God" (Acts 7:55). What Stephen saw, every child of God sees at the moment of death. They see Jesus, their head, in all his glory, and they go to live with him and reign with him forever.

PRAYER--Lord Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth, our joy in life and in death, fill us with faith. Direct this home in your wise plan, and set our sights on heaven. Amen.