Why Are You Looking Up? Jesus Has Ascended, but the Mission Continues | Open Arms Community Church in Bradford PA
As our ACTS series continues, we come to one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the Church: the ascension of Jesus. For forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, teaching them about the Kingdom of God and preparing them for what would come next. Then, before their eyes, He ascended into heaven.
But while the disciples stood staring into the sky, angels asked a surprising question:
“Why do you stand here looking into the sky?”
In this message, Pastor Dan Robinson explores what that question means for believers today. The ascension wasn’t the end of Jesus’ mission—it was the beginning of the Church’s mission. And just like the disciples, many of us can become so focused on what we’re waiting for that we miss what God has already called us to do.
Watch the full message below:
Jesus Ascended, but the Mission Didn’t
The opening chapter of Acts records Jesus’ final moments with His disciples before His ascension.
Jesus reminded them that they would soon receive the power of the Holy Spirit and be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Yet even after everything they had witnessed—His teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection—the disciples were still asking whether Jesus was finally going to restore the kingdom to Israel.
They were looking for a political kingdom.
Jesus was preparing them for a spiritual mission.
After Jesus ascended, they stood staring into the sky until angels appeared and asked:
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky?”
This wasn’t merely an observation.
It was a correction.
The disciples were focused on what they thought they had lost instead of what God was about to give them.
Looking Up Instead of Looking Out
The disciples believed Jesus would continue doing all the work.
Instead, Jesus was preparing them to carry the mission forward.
He had already taught them.
He had already commissioned them.
He had already shown them what it meant to proclaim the Gospel.
Now it was their turn.
The same challenge exists for believers today.
Many Christians spend their lives waiting for a sign, a perfect opportunity, or a dramatic moment of clarity before stepping into obedience.
We pray for God to remove every obstacle.
We wait for ideal circumstances.
We hope someone else will take responsibility.
But often, God has already given us the next step.
The disciples were looking in the wrong direction.
The mission wasn’t above them.
It was in front of them.
Ascension Is Not Absence
One of the most powerful ideas in this message is simple:
Ascension is not absence. It’s transition.
Jesus didn’t abandon His followers.
He prepared them.
Before His ascension, Jesus clearly explained what mattered most.
He told them that repentance and forgiveness would be preached in His name to all nations.
He called them witnesses.
And witnesses have a responsibility.
A witness tells the truth about what they have seen and experienced.
The disciples had witnessed the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Now they were called to tell others.
Not someday.
Not when they felt ready.
Now.
Following Jesus Is Not Just Information
Many believers know the story of Jesus.
They know the facts.
They understand the Gospel message.
Yet there is often hesitation when it comes to actually doing what Jesus commanded.
Would you pray for a stranger in public?
Would you share your faith with a friend who asked questions?
Would you help someone take their next step in following Jesus?
For many Christians, those questions reveal a deeper struggle.
Not a lack of belief.
A lack of confidence.
The good news is that Jesus never called His followers to accomplish His mission alone.
He promised the Holy Spirit.
The same Spirit that empowered the early church is available to believers today.
Stop Waiting for a Special Calling
Many Christians spend years waiting for a dramatic call from God.
They expect a lightning bolt moment.
A burning bush.
A voice from heaven.
But Scripture already provides a clear calling.
Make disciples.
Share the Gospel.
Pray for people.
Love God.
Love people.
Serve others.
The mission is not hidden.
The question is whether we will step into it.
God may call different people to different roles, but every believer has been called to participate in His Kingdom work.
The Church was never meant to be a group of spectators.
It was meant to be a movement of disciples making disciples.
Jesus Didn’t Leave—He Was Enthroned
Paul offers another perspective on the ascension.
When Jesus ascended, He wasn’t simply departing.
He was being enthroned.
He was seated at the right hand of the Father, above every ruler, authority, power, and dominion.
Everything was placed under His feet.
That changes how we view the ascension.
Jesus didn’t leave the mission unfinished.
He reigns over it.
And through the Holy Spirit, He continues His work through His people.
The same power that raised Christ from the dead is now at work in believers.
That means we don’t serve from our own strength.
We serve through His power.
Stop Stalling
The angels didn’t tell the disciples to stop believing.
They told them to stop standing there.
To stop staring.
To stop waiting.
To stop stalling.
Faith was never intended to be passive.
Faith moves.
Faith obeys.
Faith shares.
Faith serves.
Faith steps forward even when the future feels uncertain.
The mission isn’t waiting for perfect conditions.
The mission is happening right now.
In our homes.
In our neighborhoods.
In our workplaces.
In Bradford.
In McKean County.
Wherever God has placed us.
Living the Mission
Pastor Dan connected this message directly to the journey of Open Arms Community Church.
As a congregation, there was a season of praying, discerning, and seeking God’s direction regarding the move to our new location.
There were fears.
Questions.
Concerns.
Uncertainty.
But eventually there came a moment when prayer had to become action.
The church moved.
The church unpacked.
The church settled into the neighborhood.
And now the mission continues.
The goal was never simply to occupy a building.
The goal was always to reach people.
The same principle applies to every believer.
At some point, faith must move beyond preparation and become participation.
Are You Ready?
The call of Ascension Sunday is clear.
Jesus has ascended.
The Church has been deployed.
The Holy Spirit has been given.
The mission has been defined.
The question is no longer whether God has called His people.
The question is whether we are ready to respond.
Where are you looking up instead of looking out?
Where are you waiting for ideal conditions instead of stepping forward in obedience?
Who has God already placed in your path that you’re overlooking?
The work doesn’t begin tomorrow.
It begins today.
What Is Your Next Step?
Maybe God has been nudging you toward something you’ve been avoiding.
Maybe you’ve been waiting for certainty when He’s asking for obedience.
Maybe you’ve been focused on what you’ve lost instead of what He’s calling you to do next.
The mission of Jesus is still moving forward, and He invites every believer to participate in it.
If you’d like to learn more about Jesus, connect with our church family, or take your next step in faith, we’d love to meet you.
If Open Arms Community Church has encouraged you and you’d like to help us continue reaching people with the hope of Jesus in Bradford and beyond.
Give Online
Open Arms Community Church
71 Congress Street
Bradford, PA 16701
Join us Sunday mornings at Open Arms Community Church.
