Still Learning

Acts 1:6-11 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the Kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into Heaven.” 
 
STOP and think for a moment of this remarkable moment in history. Very much occurs in a brief time to prepare the world for the Kingdom of God.
   First, the Son of God has completed his mission on earth. His chosen apostles then meet with him, and they are still unsure of Jesus’ next move. They asked the question, “Are you?” as they wonder if he will now sit on Israel’s throne. Then Jesus reminds them once more his next moves are under the Father’s authority. Jesus replied with a most remarkable promise that the disciples will actually receive the King’s power from the throne of Heaven. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The apostles will have Heaven’s power! This is the same power that has been on Jesus as a man. The Spirit will anoint them for God’s Good News work on earth. And note, especially, their witnessing work will extend to all the nations. As Matthew recorded in the Great Commission, Luke (Acts author) also recorded Jesus’ command to expand the Kingdom globally. The disciples asked a question about an earthly kingdom Jesus answered with the eternal Kingdom plan.
   Then a great miracle unfolded before the apostles. He was taken up before their very eyes. We can never imagine how these men responded. Watching Jesus ascend out of sight into the sky surpasses any known wonder mankind has witnessed. How many questions were in their minds? What did they think would happen? Were they disappointed or even afraid because he had left t hem with such a huge commission?
   Then the remarkable moments extend with another question. Two angels asked, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” This is similar to the angel at the tomb, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6) Then the angels gave a clear Kingdom end-time prophecy. “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into Heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into Heaven.”
   With a few questions and answers, Luke has informed all Jesus’ disciples throughout history what Jesus said, what we must do and what will happen. The Lord’s words and the apostles’ works began a great work throughout the world. It will continue until the day Jesus returns to us as he left us. Be of courage and great hope.