Acts 1

Luke begins his history of the transition from the centrality of the Jews to the Church Age. However, first we see the Lord telling them to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit (vs.5). They were still thinking of the Jewish kingdom but again He mentioned the Holy Spirit coming (vs.8) and giving them power to speak of Him to the remotest part of the earth. Finally they needed to replace Judas which the “Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David.” As Jesus returned to heaven we see Him keeping His promise that they would not be alone but another “Helper” would come to help and guide and “be with us forever”. “That is the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive.” “He abides with you and will be in you.” Jesus had come and gone for 40 days. He seemed to come and then disappear. Now the angels said he would come again in this same manner. He would come in the clouds. Since He had come back to them so soon before, were they expecting Him in an hour? In a day? He had told them that they would suffer as their master had suffered. “If they hated me they will hate you also.” However, they had so much trouble remembering these things even when He said He would suffer and die and rise again. Did they have any idea what was ahead? In a few days the Holy Spirit would come to immerse all of them into His body on the birthday of the Church. He is the Spirit of Truth and would remind them. He would live in them. He would give them courage, spiritual courage. I have very little courage except when my children are threatened. How much courage do I have to face evil? There is so much in this world. Where can I look for the courage not only to be brave but more than that . . . .to do the right thing? How do I forgive? Where do I find compassion for those who fail like me? Jesus said, “I will send you a Helper who will be in you.” Thank you Lord that I am not alone in this evil world and You have given us power to tell everyone that there is hope in every situation. You have given us brothers and sisters in Christ in the Church to “bear one another’s burdens.” You have given us Yourself, “whom to know is life eternal.”