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INTRODUCTION: taking our place as parents
This week will be my son Joonie’s 10th birthday. I remember when he was born. After we left the hospital and returned home, we walked through the door and I put his carseat down.
Deb and I looked at him, looked at each other, and then we said – “Now what?”
It was time to take our place as parents, whether we were ready or not.
Life thrusts us into new situations or roles, whether you’re ready or not.
ASCENSION: taking your place, whether you’re ready or not
Today’s passage: ascension, taking your place whether you’re ready or not.
Before Jesus’ ascension, he did everything. Taught, healed, led.
Exciting. Also very comfortable – just had to follow.
Crucifixion was great shock. But Jesus rose again – hope was rekindled. Now Jesus could finish what he started.
They asked Jesus this question:
“Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)
ISSUE: we’re comfortable where we are after working so hard for it
Jesus’ response:
“… YOU will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)
It’s your turn; YOU will be the one to finish the job.
Life is very hard. Work hard to get comfortable. Try to find formula or path to get to that place.
Once you’re there, want to stay there, enjoy the comfort. Period between resurrection and ascension was like that.
After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
Shock, trauma of crucifixion.
Rekindled hope of resurrection. Sweet spot of time with resurrected Jesus. Didn’t want that to end.
PROBLEM: life changes, to grow you need to take your place
But as you know, life never stops. Life always changing.
Can’t remain stuck in one place. University students know this well – changing cycles of university life.
To reach the full potential of your life, you need to keep growing and changing.
You need to take your place in new situations.
JESUS’ VISION: much greater than ours
Disciples were not ready to take their place.
I mean, Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Of course they can follow him. But to take HIS place?
They were weak people who deserted Jesus when it mattered most. How could they carry on what Jesus had started?
When we look at our lives, part of the reason we become comfortable is because we believe this is the extent of what I can do.
It’s been so hard just to get to where I’m at. I should just enjoy this and be happy where I am. Don’t be greedy and expect too much.
Yes, we should always be thankful for what we have and where we are – always content.
But you also need to be open to new things God has planned. That is what life is about.
Their question to Jesus revealed old thinking and expectations: concerns revolved around Israel.
But Jesus had a greater thing in mind:
You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Many of you are taking care of aging parents, some have already said goodbye.
First generation went through a lot. They had three things that helped them survive and take care of their families: resilience, stubborn determination, and ability to sacrifice.
Those three things helped them overcome all the odds and survive and even thrive. That is the inheritance we received from them.
Fruit of that inheritance for the next generation has been more comfort and stability – things they didn’t have. That is a great blessing.
But it was a hard journey.
Because it was so hard, sometimes, like the disciples after resurrection, we want to remain there.
Comfort and stability have been great blessings.
But Jesus’ desire is much greater than that. Wants to take you beyond where you’re at.
Exciting and scary.
JESUS’ PROMISE: power to expand where you’re going
Good news: you’re not alone. In fact, it’s not really you who have to do everything, or even anything.
This is what Jesus promised:
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
The Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will have power. The Spirit will be your power. The Spirit will lead you beyond where you are.
The inheritance we’ve received is precious. It will help you survive through all the challenges that will come. Your families will thrive because of it.
But I also believe Jesus wants to use that inheritance in new ways.
To have stubborn determination not only for ourselves and our families, but also for others, especially the weak and vulnerable. To be able to sacrifice not only for ourselves but for the strangers in our midst. To be resilient in our solidarity with the marginalized.
The first generation had no capacity to think beyond themselves and their families. But God is calling us to go beyond.
It’s time to take our place in Jesus’ vision.
WAIT FOR SPIRIT
Jesus gave the promise of the Spirit.
It will be your power and driving force. It’s not something we take. It’s given.
During that sweet period between his resurrection and ascension, this is what he said:
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. (Acts 1:4-5)
They were told to go and wait.
Waiting is a time of preparation. Preparing yourself spiritually, mentally, emotionally. Preparing to take your place in whatever new situation God has in store for you.
You don’t need to scheme up your next steps and plan everything in meticulous detail. Wait for the Spirit.
Life is unpredictable. We never know what it will throw our way. But we wait for the Holy Spirit at all times.
Wait by giving yourself in prayer. That is what the disciples did while they waited.
All these (the disciples) were constantly devoting themselves to prayer. (Acts 1:14)
Life is always changing. It can feel unsettling. But God is always preparing something new for you.
As you wait in prayer, give your heart to God. Give your plans to God.
The Spirit will give you power to go places you’ve never imagined before.
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