Lesson 1 Embracing Christ's Mission

Acts 1:1-11 (New International Version)

1In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 6So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But 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." 9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10They 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."

The Book of Acts opens with Christ ascending to heaven after instructing his followers. Eleven disciples are left standing on the Mount of Olives staring into the sky. Two men dressed in white ask them the right question: "Why do you stand here looking into the sky? The point of their question is unmistakable. They are saying. This is not a day for standing and watching. The day of Christ's return will come. Until that day arrives you have your marching orders. Christ's mission is clear. Step out and embrace it.

As members of Chist's church, standing and watching is not an option for us. What does Jesus want us to understand and embrace about his mission?

• It's his mission - he is risen and at work in our world.
• It's his kingdom mission - his is restoring God's reign in the lives of his followers.
• It's his global mission - he is reproducing his church among all nations.
• It's our mission too - he is revealing himself through Spirit empowered witnesses.

Christ is expanding his reign, in and through his followers, by the power of his Spirit.

Personal reflection: Am I standing and watching? At times I have to say yes. There are times when I stand back and watch. I can hear myself saying that is the pastors job. Or the ministry leaders job. I see people in need and I pass them right by thinking someone else will help them. And you know what I bet most of the time someone else does help them. Question is: Is the person that helps a Christ follower and reflect God's glory to that person in need? Am I missing out in honoring God and robbing him of glory also?

I realize I cannot do it all and I should not seek to do it all. I believe what God is asking of me is this. As I go about my daily buisness the Holy Spirit will prompt me with opportunities to engage in Christ's mission. Don't stand and watch rather act in faith and obedience so that God's glory will be reflected.