Easter Season - Week Six - 2025

Alright, I’m back at it again—blogging away. This week, we’re diving into the Ascension of Jesus. Now, if you’ve been sticking with the readings, you know we’ve been riding the wave from Resurrection to Pentecost.

But before we get to the fire and wind of Acts 2, we’ve got one more stop to make: Jesus leaving the disciples with a mission and a promise.
I know I jumped the gun two weeks ago and blogged about how the ascension was not a surprise –it was not completely unexpected (Remember the Enoch stuff).

This week, we’re squarely in Acts 1:1–10, where Jesus takes the disciples from “resurrection witnesses” to “Spirit-empowered world-changers.” However, I do want to spend some time in the verses to see what we might be missing when we rush to get to the actual lift-off.

I’ll try not to repeat myself – but this week is thematic, and it might happen.

New here? 
Read the scripture first in the CMC App. To get there, click the Bible icon at the bottom, then click Plan.

After reading the NT and OT verses for the day, come back here for discussion.

Every day I add to this same blog posting - so don't look for a new blog this week - just keep opening this one.

Note: Any typos in the blog are not my fault - it's satan!

Monday: “A New Beginning”

Scripture:

• OT: Deuteronomy 34:9
• NT: Acts 1:1–2

Historical Context:
Let’s talk about Luke, the man behind Acts. Why was he writing this, and who was it for? Luke wasn’t just some guy jotting down notes for fun. He was a highly educated, detail-oriented physician (Colossians 4:14) and—one of the first Christian historians.

Acts is actually Part 2 of a two-volume work. The first part? The Gospel of Luke. Both books are addressed to an individual named Theophilus, likely a wealthy patron who funded Luke’s writing project. It was common in the ancient world for writers to have sponsors, and Theophilus may have been someone of high social standing, possibly even a Roman official.

Luke’s goal? To provide a carefully researched, orderly account of Jesus’ life and the early church’s growth (Luke 1:1–4).

Now, here’s something interesting: The opening of Acts mirrors the opening of Luke’s Gospel. Both start with a summary of what’s already happened. In Luke, it’s about Jesus’ birth, ministry, and mission. In Acts, Luke sets the stage for what Jesus continued to do through His disciples after the resurrection. So, Luke tells a birth story (including John) in Luke and a rebirth story (resurrection and ascension) to start off Acts.

It’s like a TV series recap before the new season begins—“Previously, in the story of salvation…”

But here’s where it gets even better. In Deuteronomy 34:9, Moses passes his leadership to Joshua, who is described as being filled with the spirit of wisdom. This idea of “passing the torch” was common in antiquity, but Luke emphasizes something far more profound: Jesus doesn’t just pass authority to His disciples. He promises them the Holy Spirit, a divine guide who will empower them to carry out His mission.

Reflection:
The opening of Acts reminds us that God’s work doesn’t end with one person or one moment—it’s an ongoing story. Jesus’ ascension isn’t a farewell; it’s a handoff. Just as Joshua stepped into Moses’ role, the disciples are stepping into Jesus’ mission. And guess what? That mission includes us, too.

Reflective Question:
Where is God calling you to step into a new beginning or take on a mission that feels bigger than yourself?

Tuesday: “The Kingdom and the King”

Scripture:

• OT: Isaiah 9:6–7
• NT: Acts 1:3

Historical Context:
I know I have been repeating myself but, after rising from the dead, Jesus spends 40 days with the disciples. But, why 40 days? In Jewish tradition, the number 40 is loaded with meaning. It symbolizes preparation, transformation, and renewal.

Think about it: the Israelites wandered for 40 years in the wilderness, Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai receiving the law, and Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning His public ministry. Your Pastor left Christianity for 40 years….  There’s that!

By teaching for 40 days, Jesus is signaling that something new is about to begin—a shift from His earthly ministry to the Spirit-empowered mission of the disciples.

Now let’s talk about the Kingdom of God. What exactly does Jesus mean when He says “kingdom”?

To His Jewish disciples, the word “kingdom” likely brought to mind the glory days of King David and the hope for a Messiah who would restore Israel’s prominence. But Jesus’ vision of the kingdom is radically different. (If you follow me I apologize for the reminder that Jesus is doing something different!)

That’s why we look at Isaiah 9:6–7, the kingdom is described as one of peace, justice, and righteousness, ruled by the Prince of Peace. Anything here about defeating the Roman Empire? Nope!

Jesus, on the other hand, offers THE kingdom PROMISED where peace is genuine, justice is impartial, and rulers serve rather than dominate. Not a kingdom the people constructed.  (Ever do that yourself ?)

Here’s another fascinating layer: In the ancient world, rulers often claimed divine titles to legitimize their authority. Roman emperors were frequently called “saviors” or “sons of gods.”

Anyone that knew the OT knew that was wrong. ‘Isaiah’s prophecy flips this narrative by declaring that the true ruler—the Prince of Peace—is not a warrior or tyrant but a child born to establish an everlasting kingdom of love and justice. This is where I get frustrated with that culture… but I am looking from hindsight, and it is not fair!

The reality is, when Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God, He’s not just giving the disciples a theology lesson. He’s inviting them to be part of a countercultural movement that challenges the world’s systems of power, greed, and violence. This would have been both comforting (God’s kingdom is coming!) and unsettling (Wait… you mean we’re part of bringing it to life?!).  

How many people want to be counter-cultural today? Ok - the really odd people!  Am I right? ... and I say that with love!

Reflection:
I have to pause before I type this to catch my breath because people do not understand what I am about to say - The Kingdom of God is unlike anything the world has ever seen!

Full stop! No Apology!  Everything starts and ends at this premise!

It’s not defined by borders, armies, or wealth. It’s defined by peace of Christ, justice from God, humility we are shown, and love we are told to embrace.

And the amazing thing? Jesus invites us to live as citizens of this kingdom right now.

But let’s be real: living as a citizen of God’s kingdom isn’t always easy. It means putting others before ourselves, standing up for what’s right, and resisting the temptation to chase after power or personal gain.

Yet, when we live this way, we reflect God’s heart to the world around us.

Reflective Moment
Gonna jump into it today - What’s one way you can live as a citizen of God’s kingdom today?

Maybe it’s advocating for justice, showing kindness to someone in need, or choosing peace in a conflict. How can your actions reflect the values of the Kingdom of God?
Anyone got any of those are their bingo card for this week?
Why not?

Reflective Question:
How can you live as a citizen of God’s kingdom today, promoting peace and justice in your community?

To answer Pat's comment from yesterday - I am investigating an audio version of this.  Maybe I can be the sexy British voice on my GPS?  No?  LOL!

Wednesday: “Waiting for the Promise”

Scripture:

• OT: Joel 2:28–29
• NT: Acts 1:4–5Historical Context:

Jesus, post-resurrection, tells His disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. Now, if you’ve ever waited for something big, you know how hard it is to just sit tight. But for the disciples, this wasn’t idle waiting—it was purposeful.

Historical Context:
In the ancient Jewish world, waiting often involved prayer, fasting, and preparation. The disciples weren’t scrolling through Instagram while they waited; they were actively seeking God, likely gathering together in homes or synagogues to pray and reflect.

But, why Jerusalem? This city wasn’t just any location—it was the center of Jewish worship, the site of the Temple, and the place where key events in salvation history had unfolded.
Waiting here wasn’t accidental; it was symbolic. The promise of the Spirit would come in the very place where God’s presence had been most powerfully felt in the past. (If you want get ahead of yourself, we will see Christ as the replacement for THE Temple!)

And then there’s Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2:28–29. Joel describes a time when the Spirit of God will be poured out on all people—not just priests, prophets, or kings, but everyone: young and old, male and female, even servants. This was unheard of! In the ancient world, spiritual power was typically reserved for an elite few. What God is promising here is radically inclusive, breaking down social, economic, and gender barriers.

When Jesus tells the disciples to wait, He’s preparing them for something that will completely transform not only their lives but the way the world understands God’s presence. The Holy Spirit isn’t just coming to guide them—it’s coming to empower them to carry out a mission far greater than they can imagine.

Reflection:
And that is what. Is so amazing when we read the bible.  We see time and again where we are asked to be patient and we press ahead and misinterpret… Am I right?
Let’s be honest—waiting is hard. We live in a culture that loves instant results, from same-day delivery to 30-second TikToks. But God often works through seasons of waiting. Why? Because waiting grows our faith, teaches us patience, and prepares us for what’s coming. Here is my well-worn retort – “read that last sentence again!”

Waiting = Patience = Preparation = Honoring Christ!

The disciples had no idea how world-changing the Holy Spirit would be, but they trusted Jesus’ promise. What about you? Are you in a season of waiting—waiting for clarity, for healing, for a breakthrough?

Remember, God is at work even when it feels like nothing is happening. Use this time to draw closer to Him, just as the disciples did.

Reflective Question:
What promise are you waiting for in your life right now? How can you use this season of waiting to prepare your heart for what God is doing?

He might be doing it already – but you are so far ahead you don’t know what is happening!


[Extra Credit – if you click on the photo above you are taken to one of my all-time favorite plays by Samuel Becket.  It’s long, and very heady!  Find the written form if you choose – but it well worth reading.  If you click above read the description to see why this is the best Becket version of the play performed.]

Warning - if you click it takes you to YouTube.  To get back to the blog you have to quit the app and navigate back.  The best way to watch is to go to our website and watch or cut and paste this link in your browser:

youtu.be/Q77jgal4Gto?si=RmAiYrSxFgeta2YK

Thursday: “Still Asking the Wrong Questions”

Scripture:

• OT: Micah 4:6–7
• NT: Acts 1:6

Happy Ascension Day!!!
Many years ago, I was stuck in a rut at work. I wanted to move up, get noticed, make an impact—but nothing was happening. So, I did what seemed logical: I started asking my boss, “What do I need to do to get a promotion?” And when I didn’t get a satisfying answer, I asked the same question over and over, just rephrased in different ways.

All my boss would say was, “You’re not asking the right question.” I didn’t understand what he meant, and I kept pressing. It wasn’t until much later—after I finally got the promotion—that he explained what he was trying to teach me.

Hold that thought. We’ll come back to it.

Historical Context:
Now, let’s go back to the disciples. They’re standing with the resurrected Jesus, the King of kings, and they ask Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
This wasn’t a bad question. In fact, it was a question rooted in centuries of Jewish hope.

Prophecies like Micah 4:6–7 spoke of a time when God would restore His people, gather the outcasts, and establish a kingdom of justice and peace. The disciples, like most Jews of their time, believed this restoration would be political. They wanted freedom from Roman oppression and a return to Israel’s former glory. If this is getting repetitive then the blog is working!  (lol)

But here’s the problem: They were thinking too small.
The disciples were focused on when and how God would restore Israel. But Jesus’ plan wasn’t just about one nation—it was about the whole world. His kingdom wasn’t political or territorial; it was spiritual and eternal.

Jesus’ response is brilliant: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.” In other words, stop worrying about the timing. Then He shifts their focus entirely: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Translation? Stop asking for a promotion...  actually, Stop asking when God will do something for you and start asking what you can do for His kingdom.

Reflection:
I think a lot of us can relate to the disciples here. How often do we get stuck asking God the wrong questions? “When will you fix this problem? When will you open this door? When will my life get easier?”

But maybe we need to reframe the question. Instead of asking what God can do for us, we should be asking, “What can I do for God’s kingdom?”

The disciples eventually got it. They stopped worrying about the timing of God’s plans and focused on their mission: to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. And because of their obedience, look what happened.... the Gospel spread  beyond anything they could have imagined.  (And those pesky Romans got their comeuppance - on God's time!)

Reflective Question:
Are you asking the wrong questions?
How can you shift your focus from “What’s in it for me?” to “What’s my role in God’s bigger story?”

Epilogue:
So, back to my personal story - but likely no surprise. After years of asking my boss, “What do I need to do to get a promotion?” he finally gave me the answer—after I got the promotion. He said, “You stopped asking what we could do for you, and you started asking what you could do for the company.”

That’s the shift Jesus was calling the disciples to make. And maybe, it’s the shift He’s calling you to make, too.

Friday: “Power and Purpose”

Scripture:

• OT: Isaiah 49:6
• NT: Acts 1:7–8

Let me tell you something about my younger self that will likely will not surprise you: I used to think power meant control—having the authority to make decisions, lead others, and get things done. And honestly? I thought that was the goal. More power = more success. Perhaps that is why I joined the Marines.

But as I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), power without purpose is useless.

Historical Context:
Now let’s talk about the disciples. They’re standing with Jesus, still buzzing with questions about when God’s kingdom will come. “Is this the time? Are we finally going to see Israel restored?”

They had visions of political power, freedom from Rome, and maybe even positions of influence in this new kingdom. But Jesus, as always, completely reframes the conversation.
“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Let’s unpack that. First, Jesus shuts down their obsession with timing. They don’t need to know when God’s plans will unfold—that’s God’s business. Instead, Jesus shifts their focus to what they need to do: be His witnesses.

And here’s the point I want to sink in today: the power they’re going to receive isn’t about control or influence. It’s not about overthrowing Rome or building a political kingdom. It’s spiritual power, given by the Holy Spirit, to spread the Gospel and serve others… and we all already have it!

The disciples’ mission starts locally (“Jerusalem”), expands regionally (“Judea and Samaria”), and ultimately goes global (“the ends of the earth”).

This is Isaiah 49:6 in action: “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” Jesus is reminding them that God’s kingdom isn’t just for Israel—it’s for everyone.

Reflection:
Here’s the thing about power: It’s a tool, not a goal. God gives us His Spirit  not so we can feel important, but so we can make Him known. (Please read John 14:25 from last Sunday's sermon again and see who asked Him to do that!)

The disciples weren’t called to sit on thrones; they were called to be witnesses. And guess what? That same Spirit is literally in YOU.

So, the question isn’t, “What can God do for me?”

It’s, “What has God empowered me to do for His kingdom?”

The Spirit equips us to love, serve, and share the Gospel, whether that’s in our own homes or halfway across the world.

Reflective Question:
Where is God calling you to be a witness today? Is it in your neighborhood, your workplace, or even a place that feels uncomfortable? How can you trust the Spirit’s power to step into that purpose?


OKAY - now no cheating.  I really want a day off tomorrow - besides sermon prep - so I wrote Saturday ahead of time.  No peeking until tomorrow!

Saturday: “Lift-Off!”

Scripture:

• OT: Daniel 7:13–14
• NT: Acts 1:9–10

Anybody reading Daniel 7 lately....

When I was a kid, I grew up 20 miles south of Cape Kennedy (Canaveral in those days).
I saw every Gemini and every Saturn rocket, and the first space shuttle take off.  It was awesome.

You stand there and you watch and watch until the rocket fades or goes behind a cloud.  I literally know what the disciples were watching… Technically but not spiritually.  By the way, the ground shook under these elementary school kid’s shoes.  Crazy!

That’s exactly how I picture the disciples in this passage. They’ve just witnessed the resurrected Jesus promise them power, commission them as witnesses, and then—whoosh!—He’s taken up into heaven.

Historical Context:
Let’s set the scene. The disciples are on the Mount of Olives, watching as Jesus ascends. His departure is both physical and symbolic. In Daniel 7:13–14, the prophet describes the Son of Man “coming with the clouds of heaven” to receive authority, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. Jesus’ ascension isn’t just Him leaving; it’s His enthronement as King of kings. (right?!)

Here’s why this matters: In the ancient world, ascensions were often reserved for kings, emperors, or gods. Think of a new ruler ascending to the throne—it was a symbol of their authority. Jesus’ ascension is the ultimate coronation, except instead of ascending a throne in a palace, He’s ascending to reign at the right hand of God.

Meanwhile, the disciples are still staring at the sky. Can you blame them? They’ve just seen something miraculous!

But then two angels appear and snap them out of it: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

Translation? Stop standing around. Jesus is coming back, but in the meantime, you’ve got work to do.

Reflection:
This passage reminds us that Jesus’ ascension isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of ours. While we wait for His return, we’re called to carry out His mission.

But let’s be honest—how often do we find ourselves “staring at the sky”? We freeze, waiting for God to act, when He’s already equipped us to move forward.

The disciples didn’t know it yet, but Pentecost was just around the corner. The Holy Spirit was coming to empower them for the mission ahead. But WE all know all of this - but yet still stand idle and look into the sky saying - come back Jesus!  That's not what we are called to do.

 Stop staring. Start moving.

Reflective Question:
Where in your life are you “standing still,” waiting for God to act? How can you take a step of faith, trusting that He’s already given you what you need?

Final Thoughts
This week, we’ve explored the powerful transition from resurrection to ascension. We’ve seen how God’s promises unfold in history and how they call us to action today.

So here’s the challenge: Don’t just read about the disciples—be one. The same Spirit that empowered them is at work in you. What’s your next step?

Pentecost is coming… are you ready? ?