It’s a big important event. The many details and much planning are well beyond our comprehension.
We know the time is near. The clock of our daily existence counts down toward a moment of Highest importance which we do not fully understand. We watch and wait.
This is the setting of the beginning of Acts. Luke has set the scene, one we can understand more in a 20th c. context of waiting for a launch of men to the moon. We are most uncertain of the outcome.
We will discover more about the author of Luke-Acts, a two-part book, later in Acts. Doctor Luke begins with a summary of his Gospel as describing about Jesus until the time “he was taken up into heaven…”
The Apostles have received their instructions after Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. This same Holy Spirit had descended on Jesus at the beginning of His three-year journey toward the Cross.
‘What do we do now, just watch?’ they must have thought. The risen Christ Jesus gives his first orders as King. He needs to populate His Kingdom. GO find faithful followers who will be baptized – changed permanently – and receive the Holy Spirit.
Our risen Lord affirms: Acts 1: 8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.
And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him.
10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”
Here is their dear friend and teacher, who they thought had been taken from them by death. He is risen in great power over sin and death! His Kingdom begins: but not on earth (for now), but in Heaven.
Who will be subject to the righteous rule of love and grace by the risen Christ Jesus,
King and Lord?
Our Lord Christ Jesus will return once more for His servants. Who do you serve? Are you willing? Are you ready?
What must you do?
