The Paralympic Games begin on Wednesday in Paris. Athletes will take their marks, set their stance, and launch into action. Today, we find the disciples in a similar position at the beginning of the book of Acts – poised on the starting blocks of a world-changing mission. But unlike those Olympians who relied on years of training, the disciples were promised a power beyond their abilities – the Holy Spirit. This scripture calls us to consider our faith journey. We’re not just spectators in the stands but active participants in God’s ongoing work of love and transformation.

The scripture passage we will be discussing today is part of a larger biblical narrative that points to Jesus. These texts may be ancient, but they are still alive and active today. The Holy Spirit communicates with us through them, and I hope you can sense God’s presence while exploring them today. Please take a moment to jot down any thoughts or reflections. Before we dive into today’s passage, let’s revisit the scriptures we covered in the past few weeks.

As we journey through our “Do Unto Others” series, we’re witnessing the unfolding story of God’s love and our call to do unto others. We began with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis, stepping into the unknown with faith and obedience. Their story challenged us to show kindness even when our world feels chaotic, like navigating the choppy waters of an election year.

Last week, we fast-forwarded to Leviticus, where God reminded the Israelites of their history as strangers in a foreign land. This passage urged us to extend the same kindness to others we’ve received, especially those who seem different from us.

Today, we land in the book of Acts, where Jesus gives his final earthly instructions to his followers. It’s as if we’re watching the culmination of a grand plan that started with Abraham’s first step of faith. Jesus calls his disciples—and by extension, us—to witness his love, not just in our comfortable circles, but to the ends of the earth.

God’s call to kindness and respect has always been building towards a radical, all-encompassing love. From Abraham’s journey to Israel’s national laws to the global mission in Acts, we see God expanding the circle of who we’re called to love and respect. It’s a love that knows no boundaries, challenges us to reach across divides, and has the power to transform our community and world.

So, let’s take a closer look at our scripture passage for today. Picture this: It’s around 80-90 AD, and the Roman Empire rules with an iron fist. The Temple in Jerusalem? Destroyed. The early Christians? Scattered and sometimes persecuted. In this turbulent time, Luke, a doctor and historian, wrote the book of Acts as a sequel to the story of Jesus, which he also authored.

Acts 1:1-11 serves as a crucial bridge between Jesus’ earthly ministry and the birth of the early church. It’s like the opening scene of an epic movie, setting the stage for all the action to come. This passage recounts Jesus’ final face-to-face moments with his disciples before ascending to heaven.

But why is this passage so important? It’s the launchpad for the entire book of Acts. Everything that follows—the coming of the Holy Spirit, the spread of the Gospel, the growth of the church—are all born from this moment. It’s like the Big Bang of Christianity, sending ripples throughout the rest of the New Testament and the world.

These verses are part historical narrative and part eyewitness accounts. Luke is not just telling a story; he’s documenting world-changing events. You can almost feel the disciples’ confusion and excitement as they watch Jesus ascend.

These verses show the promise of the Holy Spirit’s power, giving the disciples the strength to carry out their mission. Then there’s the global scope of their task – to be witnesses not just in Jerusalem but to the ends of the earth. We also see the tension between God’s kingdom and earthly powers as the disciples grapple with their expectations of Jesus’ reign.

This passage doesn’t just connect to the rest of the book of Acts; it echoes Jesus’ words in the Gospels and foreshadows the church’s mission described in the rest of the New Testament. It’s a pivotal moment that transforms a group of confused followers into world-changing apostles.

But here’s the thing – this transformative moment didn’t happen immediately. The disciples had to wait. If you’re anything like me, waiting is not always easy. Have you ever felt stuck in a holding pattern, waiting for something big to happen? Maybe you’re checking your inbox daily for college acceptance letters, refreshing your phone for news about a job offer, or feeling in standby mode in one area or another. If so, you’re not alone. The disciples in Acts 1 were in a similar boat. They were pumped up, ready for action, their hearts racing, anticipating the kingdom Jesus had promised. Instead of taking immediate action, Jesus told them to wait. Sound familiar?

But here’s the deal – Jesus didn’t just tell them to sit around twiddling their thumbs. He gave them a mission, a purpose bigger than themselves. In today’s world, where we’re bombarded with messages about individual success and personal brands, this passage reminds us that we’re part of something much more significant.

Think about social media. It’s great for connecting, but it can also trap us in echo chambers, where we only hear opinions we already agree with. Jesus’ command to be witnesses “to the ends of the earth” challenges us to step outside our comfort zones. It’s a call to engage with people different from us, to listen and share with open hearts.

This passage also shows our tendency to want quick fixes and instant results. In a world of next-day delivery and streaming services, waiting for the Holy Spirit may teach us the value of preparation and patience. Sometimes, the most impactful changes in our lives and communities require time and perseverance.

Perhaps most importantly, this passage reminds us that we’re not alone. Just as the disciples were promised the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can tap into a source of wisdom and strength beyond ourselves. It encourages us to look up from our screens, connect with others, and be part of positive change in our world.

The good news is that we’re not just spectators in God’s grand plan—we’re active participants in a story of love still unfolding! Jesus gives us a mission and the promise of divine power to carry it out. This isn’t just ancient history; it’s a living reality that can transform our lives, communities, and world today.

We are empowered to witness God’s love, starting right where we are and extending to the ends of the earth. This text offers a call to action that bridges the gap between the first disciples and us today. We’re part of the same ongoing mission, equipped with the same Spirit, and entrusted with the same message of hope and love.

But what does this look like in our daily lives? We don’t have to figure it out alone. As part of our worship series focused on the power of the Golden Rule, we are exploring concrete ways to implement this.

Later in the service, Pastor Jeanne will share more about our challenge to practice intentional acts this week. These aren’t just random nice gestures but thoughtful actions designed to deepen our relationships and stretch us beyond our comfort zones. It’s an invitation to step into the sometimes messy, often challenging work of loving others as Jesus loved us.

Remember, the power that launched the early church is available today. By taking intentional steps, we’re not just reading about history – we’re participating in the ongoing story of God’s love transforming the world.

We are not spectators but empowered to carry the torch of God’s love to the world. The same Spirit that propelled the early church is our coach and strength today, urging us to run with intentional love. As we step out into the world this week, remember that every interaction is a chance to pass the baton of God’s love – from our neighborhood to the ends of the earth. So take a deep breath, feel the Spirit’s presence, and step courageously into the transformative power of love.

Will you pray with me?

Holy God, empower us with your Spirit to persevere with love through the race of life. Guide our steps, open our hearts, and use our intentional acts to bring your reign here on earth. Amen. ~ Pastor Andrew