On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Netherlands will turn orange for King's Day. We will celebrate King Willem-Alexander's birthday with free markets, music and festivities. A month later, on Thursday, May 29, Christians commemorate Ascension Day: the moment when Jesus returned to heaven after his resurrection. Two different days, but with a deeper connection: the recognition of kingship.
The King of another kingdom
Earthly kings are crowned with splendor. Jesus' coronation consisted of a crown of thorns and a cross. Yet He is King - not of a temporal kingdom, but of an eternal kingdom. In Philippians 2 we read that after His death and resurrection on the cross, God gave Him "the name above all names." Ascension marks the moment when Jesus not only returns to the Father, but is exalted as Lord of heaven and earth.
Ascension: the enthronement of Jesus
Ascension is not a farewell, but an inauguration. Psalm 24 describes it as a royal entry.
"Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift up, everlasting doors, that the King of honor may enter!"
Heaven opens and Jesus is welcomed as King. The angels rejoice, the heavenly throne room is filled with praise.
What does that mean for us?
King's Day reminds us of our earthly monarch, but Ascension Day points us to our heavenly King. Jesus reigns - already now. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, we may know: there is Someone on the throne. His kingdom is coming, and He invites us to be part of it already now.
Party in Heaven
At first glance, King's Day and Ascension seem to have little to do with each other. But those who look further will see a deep connection. For one month after honoring our earthly King, we celebrate the enthronement of the Heavenly King. And that enthronement makes us citizens of a kingdom that will never perish.
