Acts 1:1-11

I'm back from a nice vacation with my family.  We went on a cruise to celebrate our son's graduation from High School and acceptance into the Navy's Nuclear Program.  It was a bittersweet vacation.  Sweet - because we spent time as a family.  Bitter - because at the back of our minds, we know that Mason will soon be leaving home to begin a new journey in his life.  Sweet - because we are so excited for him.  Bitter - because we know how much we will miss him.

I wonder if the disciples felt this way?  Excited for the challenges ahead, but sorrowful for the earthly loss of their teacher and friend.  Change, while exciting and necessary, is hard & sometimes scary.  Today we will begin the book of Acts.  Acts was written by the physician Luke as a sequel to his gospel.  It traces the establishment and spread of the Christian church. 

In today's reading, Luke sums up Jesus' earthly ministry after His death and resurrection.  Jesus appeared to the disciples over a forty day period.  During this time, He continued to teach them.  He also instructed them to stay in Jerusalem.  The disciples wonder if now is the time that Jesus will restore the kingdom of Israel.  Remember, many believed that the messiah would be a political leader who would restore the statehood of Israel.  Jesus tells them that the Father will accomplish all things in His time, the disciples need to focus on another kingdom, the kingdom of heaven.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, they are to continue to preach and witness concerning the kingdom of heaven and Jesus. 

After 40 days, Jesus is taken up to heaven.  It is important that the disciples witness this for it let them know without a doubt that Jesus was God and His home is heaven.  Two angels appear as Jesus ascends to remind the disciples that one day, Jesus will return in the same way He left.

So, what should I take from all this?
1)  Jesus is God.
2)  As His disciples, we are to witness to everyone.  All are equal & no one gets ignored.
3)  The Holy Spirit is a powerful helper - listen to Him, rely on Him.
4)  Jesus will return one day.
5)  Don't fall into the trap of believing what you think you know.  Form a relationship with Jesus.  Get into His Word.  Read, study, pray, seek & then rely on what He tells you.