Louise McEvoy, Women’s Ministry Coordinator
Acts 1:2b-9
2 Before he was taken up, working in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus instructed the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed them that he was alive with many convincing proofs. He appeared to them over a period of forty days, speaking to them about God’s kingdom. 4 While they were eating together, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised. He said, “This is what you heard from me: 5 John baptized with water, but in only a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 As a result, those who had gathered together asked Jesus, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?”

7 Jesus replied, “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 Rather, 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 end of the earth.”

9 After Jesus said these things, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. 

Reflection:
When I was in law school I was fascinated by probate law. It was interesting to learn not only about the Texas statutes but also about human behavior and what people would leave their loved ones. For those who are able, they pass on what they valued most—jewelry, heirlooms, cars, artwork, money, property, pets, boats. The list goes on. 

In today’s scripture, we see that our Lord and Savior is about to leave his dear friends, his family. His mission is complete. It was intentional. It was measured. It was ordered. Now it is finished. The dialogue in this passage is the last lesson he shares with the apostles. He knows these are the last words that his friends will hear from him with their human ears. Pay attention. First, he gives them a friendly reminder in verse 7 that EVERYTHING is on God’s time, and not ours. No matter how eager you are to have answers or have a resolution to a pending issue, it is always on God’s time.

Then, he informs them of the special gift he is going to give to them. Since Jesus’ role in the grand redemptive plan is done, he must go. But Christ will not leave them empty-handed. It is the most special bequest that Jesus could give to them. In verse 5, he explains that they will be baptized by the Holy Spirit. For about three years, they have watched Jesus perform miracles, show compassion and patience, and model how to be a great citizen for the Kingdom. Their new job description is presented in verse 8. Now, they will be given the duty of doing the Kingdom’s work. They will now be the hands and feet of Jesus in his absence, equipped by the powerful Holy Spirit. He says to them, and to us, “I am no longer going to be here on earth, but I love you so much that I am giving you this very special present from God. I am trusting you to use It to bring glory to God and The Kingdom. Let everyone know all about me. Now go on and be great.” What Jesus values the most is for us to continue doing his work here on earth. He has given us all we need to do just that, given us the gift of greatest value—the person of The Holy Spirit. 

Prayer:
Our Almighty Probate Judge, the one who will distribute His own inheritance to His beloved family of believers…Through your grace and love, soften our hearts so that we fully receive the Holy Spirit in our hearts. We pray for the Holy Spirit to gently nudge us in the right direction in all things so that we continue to give all the glory to you and your Kingdom while we wait expectantly for the final feast with you. In Jesus’ most precious name we pray. Amen.