Track Nine: Beyond the Skies, Our King

The ninth track, Beyond the Skies, Our King, elevates the listener to the moment of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. This song captures the awe and wonder as the disciples gazed upward, witnessing their risen Lord being taken up into the clouds. The melody is expansive and uplifting, reflecting the majesty and glory of Christ now seated at the right hand of the Father. Listeners are invited to look beyond the skies, where our King reigns eternally, promising to return for His people. “Beyond the Skies, Our King” is a reminder of the unshakable kingdom established by Jesus and the hope that anchors every believer’s soul—the anticipation of His glorious return.

Devotional for “Beyond the Skies, Our King”

Introduction:

In the ninth devotional of “Journey of Redemption: The Path of the Cross,” we turn our gaze upward with “Beyond the Skies, Our King.” This track invites us to contemplate the ascension of Jesus, celebrating His reigning glory and the promise of His return. As we engage with this song and scripture, let’s reflect on the majesty of Christ’s kingship and the hope we hold as His followers.

Scripture Reading:

Acts 1:9-11 Reflect on the account of Jesus’ ascension into heaven as witnessed by the disciples. Imagine the mix of awe and anticipation they must have felt as they looked up into the sky.

Reflective Questions:

1. How does the image of Jesus ascending to reign at the right hand of the Father impact your understanding of His authority and kingship?
2. The disciples were promised that Jesus would return in the same way He left. How does this promise affect your perspective on the future and your daily living?
3. Jesus’ ascension marked the beginning of a new chapter for His followers. How does this event inspire you to live out your faith and mission?

Listening to the Song:

As “Beyond the Skies, Our King” plays, focus on the lyrics that describe Jesus’ ascension and eternal kingship. Let the music elevate your spirit, filling you with awe for the reigning King and hope for His promised return.

Personal Reflection:

Spend a few moments in quiet reflection or writing in your journal. Ponder the present reality of Jesus’ kingship in your life and the world. Consider ways you can honor His reign in your daily actions and attitudes.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You ascended beyond the skies to reign as King of Kings. Help me to live each day with the knowledge of Your authority and the hope of Your return. May Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Empower me to serve faithfully as a citizen of Your kingdom, spreading Your love and truth until the day I see You face to face. Amen.

Closing Thought:

As you move forward today, remember that your King reigns above all. Let this truth fill you with confidence and hope, guiding your steps and inspiring your service in His name.

This devotional for “Beyond the Skies, Our King” aims to inspire awe for Christ’s ascension and kingship, encouraging believers to live with anticipation for His return and to actively participate in His kingdom’s work here on earth.

Lyrics

Beyond the Skies, Our King

Verse 1

Upon the mount where feet had trod,
He rose in power, the Son of God.
In awe, they watched, as He ascended,
The One who death had not ended.

Chorus

Beyond the skies, our King reigns,
Above the earth, beyond our pains.
In His ascension, our hearts soar,
For in His going, He promised more.

Verse 2

“Lo, I am with you always,” His parting decree,
Sending the Spirit to guide you and me.
Though He ascended, we’re never alone,
For through His Spirit, His presence is shown.

Chorus

Beyond the skies, our King reigns,
Above the earth, beyond our pains.
In His ascension, our hearts soar,
For in His going, He promised more.

Bridge

He’ll come again, as He did go,
In clouds of glory, love to show.
Till then, His Spirit with us stays,
Guiding our hearts, through all our days.

Chorus

Beyond the skies, our King reigns,
Above the earth, beyond our pains.
In His ascension, our hearts soar,
For in His going, He promised more.

Outro

So, let us live with eyes on high,
Under His watchful, loving eye.
For our King reigns beyond the skies,
And in His promise, our hope lies.

Lead Sheet

Coming Soon

• Key: D Major (majestic and triumphant)
• Time Signature: 6/8 (giving a sense of ascension and joy)
• Tempo: 85 bpm (energetic and celebratory)

Storyboard descriptions for music video

This storyboard for “Beyond the Skies, Our King” is designed to provide a visually and emotionally powerful portrayal of Jesus’ ascension and the hope it instills in believers across ages. The camera work and music are carefully crafted to enhance the narrative and deeply engage the audience in the anticipation and celebration of Christ’s eternal kingship.

Scene 1: Mount of Olives

• Visuals: The video opens on the Mount of Olives, with Jesus and His disciples gathered. The sky is clear and blue, a perfect day, but the disciples’ faces are filled with a mix of emotions.
• Camera: Slow pan across the faces of the disciples, then up to Jesus, who stands calmly with an air of majesty.
• Music: The intro of “Beyond the Skies, Our King” plays, setting a tone of solemnity mixed with anticipation.

Scene 2: Jesus’ Final Teachings

• Visuals: Jesus speaks to His disciples, giving them final instructions and assurances. The disciples listen intently, some nodding, others with tears in their eyes.
• Camera: Alternates between Jesus speaking and close-ups of the disciples’ reactions.
• Music: The first verse begins, reflective and profound, mirroring the significance of the moment.

Scene 3: Ascension Begins

• Visuals: As Jesus finishes speaking, He begins to ascend slowly into the sky. The disciples gaze upward in awe.
• Camera: Follows Jesus’ ascent, then focuses on the disciples’ faces, capturing their wonder.
• Music: Swells dramatically, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the ascension.

Scene 4: Looking to the Heavens

• Visuals: Jesus rises higher, the clouds beginning to envelop Him. His figure becomes silhouetted against the bright sky.
• Camera: Tilts up with Jesus, then looks down from His perspective at the disciples below.
• Music: The chorus plays, uplifting and powerful, echoing the glory of the moment.

Scene 5: Angelic Message

• Visuals: Two angels appear beside the disciples, reassuring them of Jesus’ return. The disciples’ faces turn from sorrow to understanding and hope.
• Camera: Captures the sudden appearance of the angels, then focuses on their comforting gestures and the disciples’ reactions.
• Music: Softens slightly, reflecting the gentle reassurance of the angels.

Scene 6: Spreading the News

• Visuals: The disciples, now emboldened and with a mission, begin to leave the mount, talking excitedly among themselves.
• Camera: Follows the disciples as they descend, capturing their animated discussions and determined expressions.
• Music: Quickens and uplifts, reflecting the disciples’ newfound purpose and resolve.

Scene 7: Across the Ages

• Visuals: A montage of believers from various eras looking skyward, praying, and spreading the gospel, all connected by their shared faith in the ascended King.
• Camera: Quick cuts between people of different times and places, all united in their upward gaze and mission.
• Music: Builds, showing the timeless and universal impact of Christ’s ascension.

Scene 8: The World Awaits

• Visuals: Various scenes of the world today, people in prayer, acts of kindness, scenes of worship, all under the same vast sky where Jesus ascended.
• Camera: Sweeping shots of the Earth from above, then down to the people, showing a tapestry of life continuing under His reign.
• Music: The chorus plays again, triumphant and stirring, emphasizing the ongoing reign of Christ.

Scene 9: Gaze to the Skies

• Visuals: The final shot returns to the Mount of Olives, now empty. The camera tilts upward, gazing into the sky, just as the disciples did.
• Camera: Slow tilt up to the sky, which transitions from day to a star-filled night, symbolizing the promise of His return.
• Music: Slows and softens, leaving a sense of hope and anticipation.

Scene 10: Crown and Scepter

• Visuals: As the music concludes, a subtle image of a crown and scepter appears against the starry sky, signifying Jesus’ eternal kingship and the promise of His coming kingdom.
• Camera: Focuses on the celestial symbols, glowing softly against the night sky.
• Music: Ends on a single, resonant note, reflecting the eternal and unshakeable nature of His reign.