Humanity's Power

Please read Acts 1:1-11.

This is a great text. It paints a creative and beautiful image that inspires and comforts. There are two things that are jumping out at me in this present time. I say "in this present time" because the scriptures are alive and creative. They meet us where we are with the proper challenge and comfort for our situation. Below are the two things that are jumping out at me now. Perhaps you will find them meaningful as well.

VSS 6-7: So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority...."

- The followers asked a question that is in their hearts and minds. It comes from their worldview. Notice that Jesus does not berate them for this, but he does not answer it either. Rather he states that we need not worry about when God will set things right. Further, he does not confirm or deny their belief that God will "restore the kingdom to Israel". I feel certain that nobody can truly grasp God's plans for the future. Religions point to ideas that help us get by, but God is God and will do whatever is best for all involved.

- Since Jesus stated that we are not to concern ourselves with the times of God's future actions, perhaps this gives us both permission and instruction to work for the betterment of creation. It is true, in my opinion, that we are incapable of bringing about perfect peace and justice. BUT that does not mean that we are to twiddle our thumbs and wait for God to fix things. We have work to do. The work is meaningful. The work of bettering creation is meaningful in and of itself. We are blessed in the work as creation is blessed by our work. (By creation I mean all that is God's: environment, justice, peace, animals....)

VS 8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

- This is great news. We have power. No, make that POWER! The Holy Spirit grants us power beyond measure. We can use this power to make the world a better place. While you are at it, don't forget to use the power for yourself. In my opinion it is utter nonsense to claim that we are not to seek happiness for ourselves as well as others. No more martyrs thank you very much.

- We have POWER to live a full and vibrant life. This life will be brimming over with service for others. Perhaps you will use your power to serve face to face with those in need. Perhaps you will use your power to communicate ideas of uplift and justice. Perhaps you will do both...and much more!

- Discernment: Here is the bug-a-boo. It is an observable fact that decent and intelligent Christians disagree on social issues. As I write this post there are people of faith protesting the University of Notre Dame because President Obama is speaking there. These folks are upset because he supports Roe v Wade. I do not share their view, but I respect their passion. Another example of differing views is that I support single-payer (universal) health care for the United States. I arrive that this through my understanding of Jesus. It is obvious that many thoughtful and caring Christians disagree with me. Still, I'm going to use my Holy Spirit POWER to work for this. All I'm trying to communicate at this point is that we can only do the best we can when it comes to discerning God's truth. Nobody will get it completely right. We need to discern and live out our discernment. We also need to love and respect those who differ from us. We can disagree and still meet on the top of God's holy mountain.

I encourage you to fully embrace the POWER that you already possess thanks to the Holy Spirit. I too will work to fully embrace this POWER. Let us live this day to the fullest!

God bless you.

Brian