Easter is Over. What Now?
How can Christians be a force for goodness, justice, and love on the heels of our biggest holiday?
Public Theology is based on the work of Zach W. Lambert, Pastor of Restore, an inclusive church in Austin, Texas. Zach’s first book, Better Ways to Read the Bible, will release on August 12, 2025 and is available to preorder today. All of the content available at Public Theology is for those who identify as Christian, as well as those who might be interested in learning about a more inclusive, kind, thoughtful Christianity. We’re glad you’re here.
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Easter is over. Christ is Risen.
Hopefully you were reminded of God’s goodness displayed through Jesus. Maybe you were inspired to see the resurrection in a fresh way. We hope that you found a bright spot in the midst of whatever you’re walking through.
But what now?
How can Christians be a force for goodness, justice, and love on the heels of our biggest holiday? Well, maybe can learn something from what happened just after the first Easter: The Ascension.
This was such a vital moment in Jesus’s life. It’s such an integral part of our faith that it is mentioned in most of the creeds and confessions of the early church. Surprisingly, even though it’s vitally important, Scripture doesn’t say much about it, just a few verses in Luke’s account of Jesus’s life (the gospel of Luke) and one in Luke’s account of the first church (commonly called Acts). Here they are:
When [Jesus] had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
Luke 24:50-52
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After [Jesus] said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
Acts 1:9
That’s it. Four verses.
The ascension is important for many reasons. It shows us that Jesus is who he said he was— God incarnate— and that he does what he says he is going to do— rise from the dead.
But look at what Jesus says just before he ascends:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
Acts 1:8-9
Acts 1:8 is a fairly famous verse. If you grew up in a missions-minded church, there’s a strong chance that this verse was printed on a sign or adorning a wall somewhere. These are important words from Jesus not just because of their content, but because they are the ones Jesus chooses to speak right before he ascends. They’re our last message before his departure. Accordingly, these final words from Jesus outline the enduring mission given to his followers, both then and now.
The Power, The Purpose, and The Plan
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