Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Acts 1:22, ” Beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection. “

Background

A dear family from our church has officially begun their trek to the mission field. As of this week, they have emptied their house and relocated to Virginia to begin the months of training that will eventually take them to serve somewhere in the Middle East. The location will be different from where they have spent the last fifteen or so years, and the surroundings probably won’t have two Wal-Marts and a Target as convenient as they had it here. But the serving part will not be new to them. So many families and dozens of children have been blessed by their devotion to Christ and their leadership in our church. Humbly and willingly they gave of their time to point others to Jesus. And now, as they move on, others will rise up and answer the call to serve. Their passion was not their own, but it came from a thankful heart that placed all its hope in Christ.

Application

I think it’s significant that Peter’s first sermon after Jesus ascended, before he preached the gospel to the lost and saw the church grow by the thousands, was to the one hundred and twenty that were gathered together as believers. And what he preached on was the need to replace Judas as a disciple of Jesus. Judas had not gone out on the good terms of our friends from church, yet Peter knew that the role to declare the resurrection of Jesus must be fulfilled. There is something necessary and powerful about placing a godly servant in the place of one who has departed. God is not the God of Abraham, but of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses is Moses, yet Joshua faithfully led the Israelites into the Promised Land. There may soon come a day when you will be the one to pick up the baton and lead. God doesn’t disclose His entire script for you all at once. And so, are you getting prepared? Is the passion for Christ beating within you like it should be? Are you rehearsing excuses in case your number is called? Are you seeking His kingdom no matter what it requires of you? If you are next in line, what are you next in line for?

Charge

As we seek Him today, seek Jesus in a way that makes His glory your supreme desire. If you lack for a place to serve Him, ask Him to take you where He wants you, whether next door or the next continent Have an awesome day.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words