In the next two weeks in our encounters with Jesus, we will be looking at some of His final words to His disciples before Pentecost.  This week we’ll be looking specifically at Acts 1: 6-11, where Jesus ascends into heaven:

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set 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, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Yesterday we talked about the mission that God has for us, to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to those different places and different people, and these can be hard.  Some of then can make uncomfortable.  For me, that’s the ends of the earth, I joke that I’m a diva, I like my own bed, I don’t like foreign trips.  That’s a little thing, but for some of us, international trips can make us uncomfortable. That is a true fact.  And you know what? That’s ok.  Following Jesus isn’t always comfortable.  It’s ok to admit things that make uncomfortable.  Being a witness to who we don’t like, that is hard.  It’s ok.  It’s a challenge.

Following Jesus is a challenge.  It’s supposed to be a challenge.  If it was something that we could do in our own strength and by our own power, we would not need Jesus.  He is the one that makes it possible.  So, yes, He calls us to be His disciples, but He will be the one that will give us the strength to make that very thing possible.

That’s why He said we will receive power.  The power that comes from His interceding for us at the right hand of the Father, and the power that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Yes, we have challenges of faith and faithfulness, but Jesus’ grace is always great in those moments.  He will give us what we need to be faithful witnesses.  No matter how difficult the task may be, His grace is greater still.

Do not worry about the task. Focus on the Savior that calls us. And He will give us the strength for that calling. We have this because He has us.

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