Acts 1

         God does work in mysterious ways.  He gives us insight and instructions, but rarely do we have the full picture.  That is what we hear in this introductory chapter of Acts.  For forty days after Jesus died on the cross, He appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that he was alive. And yet, he left them with many questions.  That, my friends, is how it is in this life.  God’s mysterious.  And yet He gives us everything we need to live a godly life.  And, like it was from day one of the early Church, He teaches us and gives us instructions through the Holy Spirit. But God leaves it to us to live this one life he’s given us. He’s not a doting parent or a micromanager. He wants us to know he’s alive, that our victory is through His victory on the cross, and that the Kingdom of God is our home.  Yet he gives us the fantastic job of building His church.  Until the Day of Jesus’ return that responsibility lies with us, His children - those who know Him and love Him.

         Jesus is constantly working on our character.  We are to continually grow in Christ.  That means maturing, getting wiser, more obedient to Him, and more and more excited and prepared for eternity with God.  He wants us not to be champions of this world, but rather those who run the race for eternal victory, champions of His Glory. It’s not about us, or the prizes we acquire here. It’s about our friendship with God, our obedience to God, and our achieving His purposes through His strength.

         Jesus baptizes his men and woman with the Holy Spirit. There is nothing more powerful than the Holy Spirit. No obstacle, no army, no government, and no foe. The Spirit of Christ is mightier than any resource, any weapon, and any source of knowledge or strength. The Holy Spirit builds His people and topples every scheme and organization of the devil, in His way and in His timing.

         Our job is to tell people everywhere about Jesus - and Jesus’ offer of forgiveness, of mended relationship with God. That’s our mission. Jesus is alive. Jesus is King. Jesus forgives sin. Jesus gives freedom and new life. Jesus gives eternal life.  That’s the truth.  It’s the Good News that can and will change people’s lives.

         We need not, nay, must not concern ourselves about God’s timing of His return to earth (v. 6-9). God is being patient; that Day will come.  Jesus is clear with the apostles that the Father sets dates and times: “They are not for you to know,” (v. 7). Instead, we will receive the Holy Spirit's power to tell people what Jesus has done for us. That’s more than enough. Someday Jesus will return (v. 11). Before then we’ve got work to do.  So, let’s get to work.

Help us, Father. Baptize us with your Holy Spirit today. Help us to be pure and genuine witnesses to your goodness. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.