The timing of "when" someone says something often gives us a key to its importance. For example, a person's dying words are often indelibly imprinted on the minds of their friends and family who bend toward near as those last words are spoken. Many sermons have been preached on the last words Jesus spoke as he was dying on the cross.
Similarly, the words Jesus shared moments before he ascended back to Heaven in his post-resurrected glorified body have a sense of urgent importance to us all. Of course, all the words of Jesus are weighty, but the timing of his words also matters. Right before his ascension he is giving his disciples final instructions. In the book of Acts, Luke records for us Jesus' promise to the disciples that they would be the recipients of the promise of the Father -- the
Holy Spirit!
Think of it, Jesus informs them that their mission to witness to the world does not begin until the Holy Spirit comes. They could not do what he was commanding them to do without the Holy Spirit. He assures them that the power they did not have to carry out the assignment would come upon them when the Holy Spirit was poured out.
Is the Holy Spirit any less important for us today? Are we not still powerless today without the Holy Spirit? Are we assured of this promise from the Father just as they were? Come this Sunday to one of our services at Grace House and worship with us and learn more about "The Promised Holy Spirit." Services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Bring a friend. Feel free to share this with others.
