New Beginnings, A New Chapter, A New Journey, the page is flipped. That is where the disciples found themselves after the rollercoaster ride of their Best Friend, and Messiah’s Seder Celebration, Arrest, Trial, Death, Resurrection and then his multiple appearances to all of them.
Jesus came back and stayed off and on with his chosen ones. He continued to prepare and teach them only now they had open eyes, minds and hearts. He gave them what he was allowed for the task that lie ahead.
I am sure that they were still feeling very, very under qualified for what they were perceiving was about to take place. They might have been recalling the time that Jesus sent them out 2 by 2 with HIS power to heal the sick, the lame, the deaf, the mute, the leper, those possessed and to preach the Good News that the Kingdom of God was at hand.
However, as scary as it had been they still had HIM to come back to. Jesus to listen to the amazing stories they told. Jesus who deciphered some of what they encountered. Jesus whose power they boldly walked in. And now they were feeling time slipping away. With each teaching and moment spent they felt that he would be leaving soon. Where did that put them? Now what? A new chapter, unchartered ground, I can only see them dragging their foot in the sandy dirt reluctantly and apprehensive of what they thought they heard him asking.
Jesus didn’t just leave without instruction however; he said stay here in Jerusalem until you receive my gift from the Father. A gift, obviously not from Amazon, UPS or Fed Ex. What could it be, what was he talking about? They did not know, but in faithful obedience they waited.
They watched as their messiah and friend was taken up in clouds of glory, what a spectacular thing to witness! I can only imagine. Yet I can feel the pain and grief in their hearts. It was official, the separation was real and raw. What gift could possibly be coming that would fill this big of a void?
And then the day of Pentecost came, it was an annual Jewish celebration. But the page had been turned, a new chapter started. And so, with it, a new journey. The Gift arrived! The Holy Spirit the essence of Christ, a part of God, how could they wrap their heads around that? We can’t but they could “feel” it. It rushed through and set their hearts ablaze and gave them the power from above to carry out the daunting missions laid out for each.
With the Joy of Pentecost and the Gift came great responsibility and purpose. Each had been given a mission, talents, and abilities to bring that mission into fruition.
What has or is God pressing upon your heart? What is he calling you to do that may seem very scary or daunting, or maybe you just feel very alone and underqualified? The page is ready to flip, a new chapter is ready to start, but are you stuck? Are you afraid or still waiting to move forward? Are you balking because you don’t feel Christ’s presence beside you? If so, the disciples can relate.
If your month has been rocky, if you have had the rug pulled out from under you, if you feel unqualified for what God is asking, if you feel excited by have no clue what’s next, you are not alone! The disciples felt all of this and so have men and women throughout the ages. But we are not left in this book alone. Jesus is there every step of the way and has given us the Gift of the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, maneuver and mold us into the rest of our story.
Shalom,
Pastor Penny
