September 29, 2026 - Acts 1

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach” (1:1) and so Luke begins his account of the growth of the churches immediately following Jesus’ ascension.  The beginning of that account starts in Jerusalem where the disciples were waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit and where the resurrected Jesus appeared to and spoke to the gathered disciples.  Dr. Al Jackson, several weeks ago at Baxter, observed that last words are important words.  Jesus had some final words for his disciples, and these words precisely mirror his last words as reported in the Gospel accounts:  “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (1:8).  There are many things the church will be about, will be doing, but it’s obvious, to anyone who is paying attention, that Jesus has commanded that we prioritize the preaching of the gospel.  Whatever else we do or do not do, if we are not prioritizing evangelism and missions, we are missing the mark.  The South African hymn would make for us a good prayer.

Thuma mina.

Thuma mina,

thuma mina,

thuma mina,

Somandla.

Send me, Lord.

Send me, Jesus,

send me, Jesus,

send me, Jesus,

send me, Lord.   –Zulu traditional