Hope for tomorrow
Commentary
Object:
The book of Acts is Luke's second volume, continuing the story from his gospel. Volume one essentially relates his version of the story of Jesus with the central message that the gospel is meant for all people everywhere. Volume two recounts how this message was indeed being spread throughout the world by the early church. Luke had several reasons for writing this book but the essential reason was to obey Christ's command found in Acts 1:8, "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."
For Luke the ascension of Jesus was an essential element of the story he sought to share with the world. He concluded his gospel with the ascension. "Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God" (Luke 24:50-53). After a brief introduction to his second volume Luke returned to the ascension of Jesus as the place to begin the story of how the gospel spread throughout the world.
Our epistolary text calls attention to the power of God demonstrated by the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The writer goes on to maintain that our hope emanates from these realities. As we saw in our epistle on Easter Sunday, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17).
We have in our gospel lesson an appearance of Jesus to the disciples and the ascension of Jesus. As we have already seen, Luke concludes volume one of his two-volume work with this account. The fact that Luke ended volume one with the ascension narrative and repeats it with an even lengthier version in volume two must surely indicate the importance of the ascension for this author. Luke tells us that the last thing Jesus did was bless them. They withdrew to Jerusalem and "were continually in the temple blessing God." Their lives were filled with gratitude. Luke's second volume reveals how they moved from expressing their gratitude by worshiping in the temple to dedicating themselves to service in the name of Christ.
Acts 1:1-11
Luke began his second volume with a quick review of his first volume, the gospel of Luke. Both are addressed to Theophilus, which means "lover of God," and may simply have been Luke's way of addressing his works to Christian readers. He reminds us in Acts 1:1 that his first book was about the life and teachings of Jesus. This second volume would be about the growth of the Christian church and how the gospel was spreading unhindered throughout the then-known world. While the four gospels contain the word church only three times, the word appears 23 times in Acts.
Tradition indicates that there were forty days between the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension. Luke begins the book of Acts with a reminder that Jesus spent those forty days teaching his disciples and preparing them for the days ahead when he would no longer be with them.
Some people have suggested that the book of Acts should be called the acts of the Holy Spirit rather than the acts of the apostles. Luke stresses the work of the Holy Spirit from the very beginning. During these forty days Jesus instructed the apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This coming of the Holy Spirit does not mean that the Holy Spirit has never before been present in the world. John reports Jesus breathing on the disciples and saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit" before his ascension (John 20:22). Of course, the Holy Spirit is eternally existent as one of the persons of the Trinity.
In verse 4, Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the "promise of the Father." They apparently misunderstood what Jesus meant by "the promise." They still connected the promise of God with the anticipated restoration of Davidic Israel. In verse 6, the disciples asked Jesus if this was indeed what he meant. Jesus changed the conversation and informed his followers that they were asking the wrong question. He shifted from conjectures about future possibilities to issues regarding present reality.
It is quite natural when confused about the present that we focus on the future. When the world around us is chaotic, as is every age, we quite naturally dream about what could be. When times are difficult and we suffer shortages of this world's goods it is easy to fantasize about better times. Jesus responds to the disciples by suggesting they focus on the task at hand. God wants to empower them to accomplish great things as they become faithful witnesses for the kingdom. It's also easy in difficult times to focus on some idealistic past. Again Jesus shifted the conversation from the restoration of the past to the transformation of the present.
There is another important lesson found in verse 7. We do not "know the times or periods that the Father has set." There are those who engage in endless speculation about the timetable God has set for his creation. Jesus indicated that even he did not know all the dates on the Father's calendar. "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). Albert Einstein said, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." Carpe Diem! Seize the day. In Luke 24: 49 Jesus instructed the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they have been empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is to be only a brief respite before they begin their work throughout "all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The disciples are not to wait forever. They are to prepare themselves for a great journey. Too many Christians don't know how to wait on the Lord. Many more don't know when to stop waiting and start working. A lighter quote from Dr. Seuss might be just what the preacher needs to make this point: "Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting."
Ephesians 1:15-23
Our epistle lesson is contained within the author's expression of gratitude and prayer for his readers. The prayer follows the Pauline pattern of giving thanks to God for his readers. It also follows the apostle's usual procedure of including rich theological material within the written prayer. This prayer follows Colossians 1:3-4 and Philemon 4-5. The text reveals Paul's desire for the followers of Christ to comprehend the saving power of God. This power is demonstrated in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
Paul begins the prayer by indicating that he has heard about the Ephesians' faith Jesus and their love for others. These are the characteristics that will make any church great. The great commandments, first given to Moses and then affirmed by Jesus, are "Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God, the lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:29b-31a).
Many of today's churches could learn a great deal from this prayer. Too few churches are known for their faith in God and their love for others. The book of Ephesians is written to a universal audience. In verse 23 Paul reminds us that the church is the body of Christ, and as his body every church should be known for its faith, love, and hope (v. 18.) Also see 1 Corinthians 13.
Many churches rely upon advertising and marketing for creating a positive image in their community. There is nothing wrong with using these tools. But there is a difference between publicity and reputation. As I sit at the computer and write this I have church volunteers setting up for a community event we have been promoting for several weeks. We expect several hundred people from our community to attend. However, we cannot simply program an experience that will draw people into our fellowship and make them a part of the body of Christ. They will either experience the spirit of God and the love of Christ in our midst or they will not. I pray they will.
Not only do I believe people are looking for a church that genuinely embodies faith in God and love for others, I also believe people are looking for a church that knows where it is going and offers hope for the future. This hope is best demonstrated by the resurrection and ascension of Christ. Through these acts God demonstrated that he holds the future and has the power to overcome.
Our communities are full of people who have lost hope. Many have been laid off from their jobs. Many are facing serious disease and discouragement. Our epistolary reading states unequivocally that Jesus ascended into heaven where he is seated at God's right hand. Everything is under God's authority. Jesus is "above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come." He is head of the church who called to embody him in faith, love, and hope.
Luke 24:44-53
Coming at the end of his gospel Luke reviews some major themes of his book. All that Jesus did and said was in agreement with scripture and to fulfill prophecy -- "that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled" (v. 44). At the center of Lukan theology is the theme of repentance and forgiveness of sins (v. 47). Finally, the Holy Spirit will empower the followers of Jesus to become effective witnesses as they take the gospel throughout the world.
A witness is a person who testifies regarding something he or she has seen or experienced. The disciples had seen the miracles performed by Jesus. They had experienced his presence. They had sat at his feet and learned from his teaching. They had observed his crucifixion and seen the empty grave. They were about to witness his ascension. Jesus was instructing them to testify as witnesses to the world.
Jesus led his followers out to Bethany and blessed them. While there was nothing magical about this blessing, there was something miraculous. This was more than a meaningless benediction or mere well-wishing. This was an act of bestowing divine favor upon them. Jesus was bestowing God's gift of well being, peace, power, and the presence of the Holy Spirit upon all who sought to be faithful followers and obedient disciples.
Application
We find in these lessons several important truths. The most important truth is the actuality of the ascension that affirms the reality of the resurrection. Today's pericopes confirm the centrality of the statements we find in the ancient Apostles' Creed: "And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead." Jesus really lived. Jesus was really dead. He really "rose from the dead." He really "ascended into heaven." Christianity is not based on empty speculation but rather on historical facts.
The second important truth we see in our lessons is importance of the cross. "The Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day" (Luke 24:46b). The cross was always a central part of God's plan for his kingdom.
The third important truth we find here is the nature of the mission. Jesus had prepared the disciples and was now sending them out to evangelize the world: "that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47).
The fourth important truth revealed is the necessity of being empowered by the Holy Spirit. "And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). Christians may differ in opinions about how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. But we deny the importance of the Holy Spirit's power at our own peril. Too many Christians confuse talking about God's work with doing God's work. Action is important. Actually carrying out the mission is vital. But seeking to accomplish the incredible mission God has given us without his power in our lives leads to burn out and ultimate failure.
Alternative Application
Acts 1:1-11. When the disciples asked Jesus in verse 6 "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom of Israel?" Jesus insisted they were asking the wrong question. No one but the Father knows the answer to that question. Jesus encouraged the disciples not to get mired in endless speculation about the future but rather to focus on the task at hand. In Luke 24:29 Jesus instructed the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians focus on action and fail to spend adequate time "waiting on the Spirit." This kind of neglect of the inner life often leads to burnout and even loss of faith. Other Christians focus on "spiritual formation" to the neglect of action. These Christians emphasize Bible study and prayer. However, if our spiritual disciplines don't lead us to service in the world we've missed the point of the gospel. The great spiritual giants through the ages have stressed a "middle way." We must tend to our own spiritual needs but this should always prepare us to fulfill the mission God has given us.
Preaching the Psalm
by Schuyler Rhodes
Psalm 47
Somewhere someone once said that "a people who do not know awe are a dangerous people." Awe happens when we encounter something so huge and beautiful that it stops us in our tracks. Walking to the edge of the Grand Canyon inspires awe. Driving down the California Coast through Big Sur inspires awe. Listening to Yo-Yo Ma play cello inspires awe.
We could easily construct a long list of awe-inspiring things in nature and humanity. The truth is that awe sometimes gets away from us. It's hard to know why this happens, but it does. Sometimes we get too busy, other times we are too full of ourselves. Still other moments find us in the grip of a cynicism that will not allow us to stop and be filled with awe.
This psalm is about awe.
"Clap your hands Oh you people, shout to God with songs of joy! For the Lord, the most high, is awesome…." The words in this psalm certainly call us to celebration and praise, but it's more than that. Here we are called to a clear and powerful experience of awe. If we actually stop to ponder the mighty works of God, praise erupts. If we pause for just a moment to take in the workings of something as common as the human hand, awe can slow us down and stop us for just a moment. If we look around at God's amazing creation, we just might find ourselves in that jaw-dropping, eye-popping moment of awe that comes before we start singing and dancing.
What would happen if everyone made covenant to pause each day so that a little awe might creep into our consciousness? What if each day we found ten minutes to simply stop and drink in the utter grandeur of God and God's handiwork that shimmers all around us? Consider what might happen if we took it upon ourselves to become a people who were filled with the awe of God.
For one thing, it might keep us mindful of our place in the grand scheme of things. For another, it might remind us that we're not in charge of the universe after all. Finally, in awe of God, we might just develop a new appreciation for one another as that awe creeps in and spreads to the way we view each other.
For just as a people without awe are dangerous, so too are a people full of awe also full of God's wonderful power.
For Luke the ascension of Jesus was an essential element of the story he sought to share with the world. He concluded his gospel with the ascension. "Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God" (Luke 24:50-53). After a brief introduction to his second volume Luke returned to the ascension of Jesus as the place to begin the story of how the gospel spread throughout the world.
Our epistolary text calls attention to the power of God demonstrated by the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. The writer goes on to maintain that our hope emanates from these realities. As we saw in our epistle on Easter Sunday, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17).
We have in our gospel lesson an appearance of Jesus to the disciples and the ascension of Jesus. As we have already seen, Luke concludes volume one of his two-volume work with this account. The fact that Luke ended volume one with the ascension narrative and repeats it with an even lengthier version in volume two must surely indicate the importance of the ascension for this author. Luke tells us that the last thing Jesus did was bless them. They withdrew to Jerusalem and "were continually in the temple blessing God." Their lives were filled with gratitude. Luke's second volume reveals how they moved from expressing their gratitude by worshiping in the temple to dedicating themselves to service in the name of Christ.
Acts 1:1-11
Luke began his second volume with a quick review of his first volume, the gospel of Luke. Both are addressed to Theophilus, which means "lover of God," and may simply have been Luke's way of addressing his works to Christian readers. He reminds us in Acts 1:1 that his first book was about the life and teachings of Jesus. This second volume would be about the growth of the Christian church and how the gospel was spreading unhindered throughout the then-known world. While the four gospels contain the word church only three times, the word appears 23 times in Acts.
Tradition indicates that there were forty days between the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension. Luke begins the book of Acts with a reminder that Jesus spent those forty days teaching his disciples and preparing them for the days ahead when he would no longer be with them.
Some people have suggested that the book of Acts should be called the acts of the Holy Spirit rather than the acts of the apostles. Luke stresses the work of the Holy Spirit from the very beginning. During these forty days Jesus instructed the apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. This coming of the Holy Spirit does not mean that the Holy Spirit has never before been present in the world. John reports Jesus breathing on the disciples and saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit" before his ascension (John 20:22). Of course, the Holy Spirit is eternally existent as one of the persons of the Trinity.
In verse 4, Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the "promise of the Father." They apparently misunderstood what Jesus meant by "the promise." They still connected the promise of God with the anticipated restoration of Davidic Israel. In verse 6, the disciples asked Jesus if this was indeed what he meant. Jesus changed the conversation and informed his followers that they were asking the wrong question. He shifted from conjectures about future possibilities to issues regarding present reality.
It is quite natural when confused about the present that we focus on the future. When the world around us is chaotic, as is every age, we quite naturally dream about what could be. When times are difficult and we suffer shortages of this world's goods it is easy to fantasize about better times. Jesus responds to the disciples by suggesting they focus on the task at hand. God wants to empower them to accomplish great things as they become faithful witnesses for the kingdom. It's also easy in difficult times to focus on some idealistic past. Again Jesus shifted the conversation from the restoration of the past to the transformation of the present.
There is another important lesson found in verse 7. We do not "know the times or periods that the Father has set." There are those who engage in endless speculation about the timetable God has set for his creation. Jesus indicated that even he did not know all the dates on the Father's calendar. "But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). Albert Einstein said, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." Carpe Diem! Seize the day. In Luke 24: 49 Jesus instructed the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they have been empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is to be only a brief respite before they begin their work throughout "all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
The disciples are not to wait forever. They are to prepare themselves for a great journey. Too many Christians don't know how to wait on the Lord. Many more don't know when to stop waiting and start working. A lighter quote from Dr. Seuss might be just what the preacher needs to make this point: "Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite. Or waiting around for Friday night or waiting perhaps for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil or a better break or a string of pearls or a pair of pants or a wig with curls or another chance. Everyone is just waiting."
Ephesians 1:15-23
Our epistle lesson is contained within the author's expression of gratitude and prayer for his readers. The prayer follows the Pauline pattern of giving thanks to God for his readers. It also follows the apostle's usual procedure of including rich theological material within the written prayer. This prayer follows Colossians 1:3-4 and Philemon 4-5. The text reveals Paul's desire for the followers of Christ to comprehend the saving power of God. This power is demonstrated in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
Paul begins the prayer by indicating that he has heard about the Ephesians' faith Jesus and their love for others. These are the characteristics that will make any church great. The great commandments, first given to Moses and then affirmed by Jesus, are "Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God, the lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:29b-31a).
Many of today's churches could learn a great deal from this prayer. Too few churches are known for their faith in God and their love for others. The book of Ephesians is written to a universal audience. In verse 23 Paul reminds us that the church is the body of Christ, and as his body every church should be known for its faith, love, and hope (v. 18.) Also see 1 Corinthians 13.
Many churches rely upon advertising and marketing for creating a positive image in their community. There is nothing wrong with using these tools. But there is a difference between publicity and reputation. As I sit at the computer and write this I have church volunteers setting up for a community event we have been promoting for several weeks. We expect several hundred people from our community to attend. However, we cannot simply program an experience that will draw people into our fellowship and make them a part of the body of Christ. They will either experience the spirit of God and the love of Christ in our midst or they will not. I pray they will.
Not only do I believe people are looking for a church that genuinely embodies faith in God and love for others, I also believe people are looking for a church that knows where it is going and offers hope for the future. This hope is best demonstrated by the resurrection and ascension of Christ. Through these acts God demonstrated that he holds the future and has the power to overcome.
Our communities are full of people who have lost hope. Many have been laid off from their jobs. Many are facing serious disease and discouragement. Our epistolary reading states unequivocally that Jesus ascended into heaven where he is seated at God's right hand. Everything is under God's authority. Jesus is "above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come." He is head of the church who called to embody him in faith, love, and hope.
Luke 24:44-53
Coming at the end of his gospel Luke reviews some major themes of his book. All that Jesus did and said was in agreement with scripture and to fulfill prophecy -- "that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled" (v. 44). At the center of Lukan theology is the theme of repentance and forgiveness of sins (v. 47). Finally, the Holy Spirit will empower the followers of Jesus to become effective witnesses as they take the gospel throughout the world.
A witness is a person who testifies regarding something he or she has seen or experienced. The disciples had seen the miracles performed by Jesus. They had experienced his presence. They had sat at his feet and learned from his teaching. They had observed his crucifixion and seen the empty grave. They were about to witness his ascension. Jesus was instructing them to testify as witnesses to the world.
Jesus led his followers out to Bethany and blessed them. While there was nothing magical about this blessing, there was something miraculous. This was more than a meaningless benediction or mere well-wishing. This was an act of bestowing divine favor upon them. Jesus was bestowing God's gift of well being, peace, power, and the presence of the Holy Spirit upon all who sought to be faithful followers and obedient disciples.
Application
We find in these lessons several important truths. The most important truth is the actuality of the ascension that affirms the reality of the resurrection. Today's pericopes confirm the centrality of the statements we find in the ancient Apostles' Creed: "And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead." Jesus really lived. Jesus was really dead. He really "rose from the dead." He really "ascended into heaven." Christianity is not based on empty speculation but rather on historical facts.
The second important truth we see in our lessons is importance of the cross. "The Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day" (Luke 24:46b). The cross was always a central part of God's plan for his kingdom.
The third important truth we find here is the nature of the mission. Jesus had prepared the disciples and was now sending them out to evangelize the world: "that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem" (Luke 24:47).
The fourth important truth revealed is the necessity of being empowered by the Holy Spirit. "And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). Christians may differ in opinions about how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. But we deny the importance of the Holy Spirit's power at our own peril. Too many Christians confuse talking about God's work with doing God's work. Action is important. Actually carrying out the mission is vital. But seeking to accomplish the incredible mission God has given us without his power in our lives leads to burn out and ultimate failure.
Alternative Application
Acts 1:1-11. When the disciples asked Jesus in verse 6 "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom of Israel?" Jesus insisted they were asking the wrong question. No one but the Father knows the answer to that question. Jesus encouraged the disciples not to get mired in endless speculation about the future but rather to focus on the task at hand. In Luke 24:29 Jesus instructed the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit.
Many Christians focus on action and fail to spend adequate time "waiting on the Spirit." This kind of neglect of the inner life often leads to burnout and even loss of faith. Other Christians focus on "spiritual formation" to the neglect of action. These Christians emphasize Bible study and prayer. However, if our spiritual disciplines don't lead us to service in the world we've missed the point of the gospel. The great spiritual giants through the ages have stressed a "middle way." We must tend to our own spiritual needs but this should always prepare us to fulfill the mission God has given us.
Preaching the Psalm
by Schuyler Rhodes
Psalm 47
Somewhere someone once said that "a people who do not know awe are a dangerous people." Awe happens when we encounter something so huge and beautiful that it stops us in our tracks. Walking to the edge of the Grand Canyon inspires awe. Driving down the California Coast through Big Sur inspires awe. Listening to Yo-Yo Ma play cello inspires awe.
We could easily construct a long list of awe-inspiring things in nature and humanity. The truth is that awe sometimes gets away from us. It's hard to know why this happens, but it does. Sometimes we get too busy, other times we are too full of ourselves. Still other moments find us in the grip of a cynicism that will not allow us to stop and be filled with awe.
This psalm is about awe.
"Clap your hands Oh you people, shout to God with songs of joy! For the Lord, the most high, is awesome…." The words in this psalm certainly call us to celebration and praise, but it's more than that. Here we are called to a clear and powerful experience of awe. If we actually stop to ponder the mighty works of God, praise erupts. If we pause for just a moment to take in the workings of something as common as the human hand, awe can slow us down and stop us for just a moment. If we look around at God's amazing creation, we just might find ourselves in that jaw-dropping, eye-popping moment of awe that comes before we start singing and dancing.
What would happen if everyone made covenant to pause each day so that a little awe might creep into our consciousness? What if each day we found ten minutes to simply stop and drink in the utter grandeur of God and God's handiwork that shimmers all around us? Consider what might happen if we took it upon ourselves to become a people who were filled with the awe of God.
For one thing, it might keep us mindful of our place in the grand scheme of things. For another, it might remind us that we're not in charge of the universe after all. Finally, in awe of God, we might just develop a new appreciation for one another as that awe creeps in and spreads to the way we view each other.
For just as a people without awe are dangerous, so too are a people full of awe also full of God's wonderful power.
