There a few days on the calendar that usually pass by without notice that really deserve recognition. One of these is Ascension Day.

The Day of Ascension is the 40th day after Easter, and it marks the time when Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, the position from which He reigns today. As the Bible puts it, “He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet” (Heb.10:12,13).

This year Ascension Day falls on Thursday, May 21st.

So, why is Ascension Day worthy of recognition? It’s worthy of recognition because it reminds us that there is a King who rules over all things, including all earthly powers.

The Lord has ordained civil rulers with legitimate authority. Specifically, He has ordained them as ministers of justice for our good, who bring punishment upon those who do evil. When civil rulers are faithful in this task, they give the righteous reason to rejoice and the wicked reason to fear

The authority of civil rulers is derived from God – it does not come from themselves. Also, the authority they have is not autonomous. That is, they are not free to rule as they see fit, but in keeping with the One who vested them with authority. This means that every king, prime minister, and president is under God.

This is the way it is, and has to be. When civil rulers assume the role of lord and savior of a people, and seek to fulfill that role by controlling as much of the society as they can, they will fail — and the people they govern will suffer.

Why? Because civil rulers are mere men. As mere men they do not have the power and wisdom to bring about what is good and just by themselves. They can only do this when they apply the principles of the Lord who is over them

A good way to see this is in our current economic situation.

When it comes to economic matters, the role of civil authorities is simple. It is to protect property by punishing theft, as well as keep themselves from corruption by resisting bribes. When this is accomplished, those who have worked hard are able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, and those who will not work are given reason to get with it.

Civil rulers are also to remember that they do not have the power – like God – to create out of nothing . Consequently, the U.S. Government cannot create real wealth simply by printing more paper with green ink on it. To believe it can, is a form idolatry. And here we must remember all idolatry eventually gets what it has coming – it fails

Taking note of Ascension Day and what it means may be just what we need for economic recovery and cultural renewal.