October 1, 2025 - Acts 1-2

As Jesus ascended to heaven, and the disciples looked into heaven, two men in white robes stood beside them and asked, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?  This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (1:11).  I don't mean to be ungracious here, but I want to suggest to the crowd that was gathered there, “Really?  I mean, really?  He told you, beforehand, that all this was going to take place!  Why are you so surprised?  Were you not paying attention?”  On the other hand, I understand, and I would probably have reacted in the same way.  After all, that would have been an amazing sight:  Jesus talking with them and then, suddenly, taken up into heaven.  I think I would have stared upward.

However, in commendation of the disciples, they immediately got busy doing what they needed to do.  They needed to replace Judas, and so, they chose Matthias.  As they gathered in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit descended, they spoke in other languages, and Peter stood up and preached Jesus.  They baptized those who believed.  And they continued to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, and they broke bread regularly and prayed together (2:42).

Just this thought, though perhaps there are many more deeper and more significant lessons here:  Life is full of surprises.  Things change.  But God is over it all, and the faithful servant of God just puts one foot in front of the other.  Daily faithfulness and the steady running of the race is what is required.

Hail the day that sees him rise, Alleluia!

to his throne beyond the skies. Alleluia!

Christ, the Lamb for sinners given, Alleluia!

enters now the highest heaven. Alleluia!

There for him high triumph waits; Alleluia!

lift your heads, eternal gates. Alleluia!

He has conquered death and sin; Alleluia!

take the King of glory in. Alleluia!   -- Charles Wesley (1739)