One small sentence - one big impact

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. ~Acts 1:9

One small sentence. It almost sounds like an afterthought. After His death; after His resurrection. These words describe His ascension into heaven. But don't be fooled by its brevity; this brief sentence is not an afterthought and carries a great deal of weight. 

Comfort. His ascension seats Him at the right hand of the Father  as our mediator and high priest.

     Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at
     the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ~Romans 8:34

     For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with
     our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every
     way, just as we are--yet was without sin. ~Hebrews 4:15

Power. His ascension marks the empowering gift of the Holy Spirit.

     And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be
     with you forever. ~ John 14:16

Hope. His ascension installs Jesus as the true King of the world  - over all powers in all ages. 

      Which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and
      seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all
      rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be
      given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
                                                                                 ~Ephesians 1:20-21

It is through His ascension that we find comfort, power and hope.

To God Be the Glory...