Nougat 24

It’s Pentecost! The birthday of what was later referred to as the ‘church’. Can you imagine, with the arrival of God’s Spirit in a crowded room, the message of salvation was spread throughout the world. In effect, the Apostles became the Sent Ones. Let’s reflect on that and its genesis in Today’s Holy Nougat

Acts 1:7-8 CEVDCI

[7] Jesus said to them, “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls.

[8] But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.”

Sent! By God’s Power

The disciples, for they had not yet received their full commissioning, were gathered for a final session with Jesus. As they often did, the disciples were asking Him questions. This time, it was about Israel’s restoration. Rather than respond to their question directly, Y’shua answered the question they should have asked. It might even have been hovering in the backs of their minds. I believe the disciples wanted to ask, ‘What will become of us?’

Self-Check

Have we had pertinent questions to ask Y’shua, and opted for all other questions instead? Why?

Digging Deeper

In responding to their unasked question, Y’shua helped His disciples to see that they were part of God’s greater narrative. And, despite His departure by way of ascension to Heaven, they would be covered. With Y’shua’s physical absence, however, His followers were no longer His students. They had ‘graduated’ and would serve as witnesses, testifying to Y’shua’s existence.

Y’shua’s status had been the subject of debate and contention throughout His earthly ministry. That did not change with His crucifixion and resurrection. In fact, some would say things got even more intense as others tried to cover up the truth of His resurrection (see Matthew 27:42-44; 28:13-15). It is not surprising therefore to discover that the Apostles, Y’shua’s witnesses, were sent near and far. They were called to the ‘lost sheep’ of Israel, as well as to the Gentiles.

We note, like Isaiah, not one of the disciples refused Y’shua’s call. Although none responded directly to Him saying, ‘Here I am, send me’ (see Isaiah 6:7-8); the disciples rose to the challenge by the power of God’s Spirit. Today, the offer is reiterated to you and me: ‘Who will bear witness to Y’shua’s divinity?’ As disciples through Christ’s grace, will we permit God’s Spirit to empower us? What will our answer be?

Point to Ponder

Y’shua’s former disciples were not sent to testify of Christ in their own power. Neither are we. Today, will we allow God’s Spirit to transform us so we may share the Good News with the whole inhabited earth?

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May all we seek be found in Christ