City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“6 So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But 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.’ 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, ‘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.’” Acts 1:6-11 ESV

Reflection

It’s exciting. Jesus, God’s Son, has made right relationships with humankind and His Father, so it’s natural the disciples were curious if this was the time for the whole world to be made right as well. But not even Jesus knows the day or time when all will be made right; only the Father knows when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36) and He will come back the same way (Revelation 19:11-16).

The last thing someone says to you before they leave, particularly if they won’t see you for a long time, is the most important thing they want you to remember. The last thing Jesus said to His disciples is to spread the Word of God with the Holy Spirit, to be witnesses locally (Jerusalem), regionally (Judea), neighboring (Samaria), and globally (to the end of the earth). Then He goes Home to prepare a place for them (John 14:2). They were experiencing a lot of emotions: wonder, peace with God, sadness of Jesus leaving them, curiosity if Jesus would come back immediately. How long were they gazing at Heaven before the two men showed up? One minute? Fifteen minutes? One hour? The two men were angels in the guise of humans. Biblical angels look nothing like those on greeting cards; but more like this:

Yeah, I’d be freaking out too. No wonder they always told those whom they appeared to “Do not be afraid” (Luke 1:13, 30; 2:9-10). Instead of instilling fear into the disciples, they assured them Jesus will come back the same way.

Application

Who can you witness to locally, regionally, neighboring, and globally? Where has God called you to be right now? Who in your family, your friends, your neighborhood, your workplace, your recreational activities needs Jesus? There’s no better time than now to spread the Word of Jesus!

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the opportunity to serve You. Please lead me to whom You want me to witness to and grant Your Holy Spirit, so I can say the right words. In Your Name I pray, amen.