05/28 - Whom Shall God Send

Whom Shall God Send

Acts 1:1-11

• The Conclusion of Easter
  • This time in the Christian calendar reminds us:
    • Jesus was appearing for 40 days to His disciples
    • Ash Wednesday - 40 days of Lent - Holy Week - Easter
      - 40 Days of Easter - Ascension Sunday
  • The resurrection & ascension: two parts of the same the same event
    • ...Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. - Romans 8:34b (NLT)
    • Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. - Hebrews 12:2b (NLT)
    • This is worth our time, as God's plan is revealed...
      
  • Those God Chose to Send
    • The crowd = the Apostles = not the most mature of believers!
      • Peter flip-flopping & denying; Sons of Thunder; John just a kid
      • After the Mt of Transfiguration: "Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest." Luke 9:46
      • At the Last Supper, after Jesus says one will betray Him, "The disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing. Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them." Luke 22:23-24
      • I'm surprised Jesus never said, "Ok, children!" Jesus had to have a LOT of patience!
    • The Divine Plan
      • v6 "So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”" (Easter was amazing!  NOW what will you do?)
      • v8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
      • What is God's Plan? Hey, Apostles, God's plan is you!
        • Were they possibly intimidated??
          

 

 

• A Time of Parting
  • Jesus was ascending to Heaven, and sending them into the world...
  • Who here has sent a child out into the world? And fretted?
    • You always hope they'll be safe.
    • You hope they can handle things you won't be there to fix!
    • And you hope they won't forget everything you taught them!
  • And as children, do you remember the excitement of being on your own, and the nervousness at being on your own?
    • Going to college, getting a job
    • Going into military service...
  • Maybe you've heard or said words like these: "This is a big step! I know it's big. I know it's scary. I know.  But you know that I am here.  I've got your back.  Remember what I taught you.  Do your best.  You're stronger than you know. You've got this.  I believe in you, kiddo."  That also sounds like something God would say to us!

 

• God's Plan Hasn't Changed!
  • For nearly 2,000 years God has worked through His people as they ACT as Christ's Body, led by the Holy Spirit
    • When we talk about "seeking God's plan," we're talking about the details! The broad brush of God's Plan is already known!
  • What is God's Plan for healing a broken world? You are!!!
    • Look around you....! Maybe take a selfie...
    • Are you possibly intimidated???
      • "How can I help heal a broken world? I'm broken too!"
      • We are broken healers offering the grace of a wounded Healer to each other. In other words, we are the Church, the Body of Christ!
    • So, what or who in your life needs healing? Maybe you've been praying for this person or this situation of a long time, hoping God will send the right person.  Maybe it's time to consider if God already has done so, in you!
      • But what can I do, Lord? I can't handle this!
      • "This is a big step! I know it's big. I know it's scary. I know. But you know that I am here.  I've got your back.  Remember what I taught you.  Do your best.  You're stronger than you know. You've got this.  I believe in you, my child."
      • Isaiah 6:8 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!”"