The First Word May 2008

During Eastertide (the fifty days following Easter Sunday), our Sunday scripture lessons have included passages from the book of Acts.  The sacred drama of Acts begins with the disciples gathered around Christ for the last time. They ask him the question which is on everyone's mind.  "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"  They wanted to know what time it is.  And why not?

What other mighty act could top His resurrection?  What must be in store for them but to see him enthroned in glory and bask on thrones on his right and left hand?

Jesus answered their questions about time and their status, but not in the manner that they had thought or hoped. He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or season that the Father has fixed by his own authority."  He gave them his promise. And then he gave them the following "marching orders." "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and your shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1.8).

What a surprise! What an astounding announcement of their future! The text continues:  "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on (with mouths agape!), he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight" (1.9).

Dear brothers and sisters, as we celebrate Christ's resurrection, "what time is it?" It's not merely time to romp in kingdom glory.

It's the time of promised Holy Spirit who empowers us and sends us forth to be Christ's witnesses….to stand in for Him...and proclaim the Kingdom of God in word and in deed...until he comes again!