It may mean flying first class instead of coach; getting box seats at the sports arena versus sitting in the rafters. It may mean being accepted into the top university of your choice or settling on a community college you never wanted to attend.

If we are even to begin to accomplish what the Lord left us to be and do before he ascended into heaven (preach the Good News; work for justice; heal the sick; pray for persecutors; be light in the darkness; forgive our enemies; seek out the lost, and be holy), then we need to have some serious connections!

On this feast of the Ascension, we celebrate that we DO have friends (connections) in high places! First and foremost, we have the Greatest Friend in the Highest Place - Jesus Christ! Also accompanying us on this pilgrim journey is a great cloud of witnesses in heaven (Hebrews 12:1) who support us through their prayers and example!

These are those who persevered to the end and now reign with Christ (2 Tim 2:12). So, those who walk by faith have "home court advantage" in whatever venue they find themselves because the heavenly crowd is always cheering for those who are committed to carrying out God's will and purpose!

Today's Feast of the Ascension reminds us that when you know somebody (the Father) who sent somebody (the Son) who reigns supreme in heaven-- well, my friend, you can be sure of one thing: You are going places!