SPIRIT OF WITNESS

Readings (Click on link to read on BibleGateway.com)

Acts 1:6-14 (The Ascension of Jesus)
Psalm 68:1-10,32-35 (Let God rise up)
First Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 (Rejoice in suffering with Christ)
John 17:1-11 (Jesus prays for the disciples)

At the time of Jesus’ ascension, Jesus promises that the Spirit will continue to shape the disciples as the Body of Christ. This community is commissioned to do the work of Christ “to the ends of the earth.” A time of prayer prepares disciples for their lives as witnesses to the saving love of God.

Focus Scripture: Acts 1:6-14

The Book of Acts is traditionally ascribed to the same author as the Gospel of Luke; they are both addressed to “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). Theophilus is a Greek word meaning "friend of God", so it could be used here as a personal name or as a title.

Acts picks up the story where Luke leaves off, as the writer recounts Jesus’ appearances and words to the disciples after the Resurrection.

“Is this the time?” (Acts 1:6) In their final meeting with Jesus, the disciples wonder when “you will restore the kingdom.” The Greek word translated “kingdom” or “kingdom of God” does not indicate a territory with boundaries, rather a sense of divine rule. Disciples of every age have wondered when Christ will usher in this promised and ultimate reign of God. Jesus’ reply holds: “It is not for you to know” (v 7).

In Acts, the story begins in Jerusalem and unfolds as the gospel message of God’s saving love spreads to Judea, Samaria, and finally to Rome (the capital of the Roman Empire). Jesus promises the disciples that they will receive the power of the Spirit for witness, and explains how this will occur. When Jesus is no longer at home on earth, God’s Spirit forms and commissions the Body of Christ to do the work of Christ (v. 8).

In reporting the account of Jesus’ ascension, Acts say only that Jesus is “lifted up” into a cloud. A cloud has signified God’s presence in other biblical texts; two figures dressed in white indicate “heavenly messengers.”

From this point forward, the story in Acts focuses on the community of disciples. The interim between Jesus’ ascension and the gift of Spirit that is given at Pentecost is a time of pausing for prayer and reflection. The group of disciples,– numbered in Acts 1:15 as “about one hundred twenty persons”,– is a community of prayer that embodies God’s grace and love.

This community practices inclusion. The disciples are joined by the brothers of Jesus and “certain women,” including Mary the mother of Jesus. The first disciple in Luke,– the first person to proclaim faith in God’s saving action,– was Mary. Her commitment in Luke 1:38, “Let it be with me according to your word,” had opened the world to God’s grace made manifest in Christ. Now, as the early followers begin to move out in the spirit of witness, Mary once more stands at the beginning.

This waiting community of prayer is the community for whom Jesus prays before his trial, as told in John 17:1-11. Jesus prays for the community of disciples, with the promise that God will be glorified in their spirit of witness.

In Psalm 68:1-10,32-35, in the imagery of sky and cloud, the psalmist reiterates the promise that God will give power and strength to God’s people, and abide with those who are most vulnerable.

The absence of Jesus generated some anxiety in the early Christian community. In First Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11, the writer addresses the fears that faced one such group. Yet, the letter proclaims that God is to be trusted and that suffering is shared with Christ. The closing verse asserts that all power resides in the God of grace, enabling our spirit of witness.

Jesus promises “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). This power speaks of the new choices, actions, voice, and values that will come into the world through the spirit of witness of Jesus’ followers. When has this Spirit-filled power evoked a sense of awe in your life? When has it evoked a sense of fear? For what is your church praying and preparing today?

REFLECTION

Be with us, O Spirit, and form us as witnesses to the love of God in Christ. Grace us with your power, so that we may embody this love for those who long for the gift of presence, the hope of acceptance, and the mercy of compassion. Amen.

 

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