Good Morning from rainy London.   I am conducting my one-woman experiments as I walk along these historic streets, smiling into the faces of on-comers … ascending long escalators, smiling at those coming down on the opposite moving stairs, trying to elicit smiles, but not having too much luck!  But at Harrod’s grand department store, I met Maria from Colombia, who came to England to study at Cambridge University.  I purchased two Pink items from her, and engaged her in sweet conversation, and then prayed with her, promising to ‘stay in touch’ once parting company.   She might not have smiled either had I not pushed past her proper English decorum to enquire about her life.  Hmmm …

BE MY WITNESSES - please consider for two days, along with Acts 1.8-14.

Yesterday, I wrote that Jesus charged all of his followers—those whose eyes he looked into on the Mount of Olives, as well as you and me all these years later—with ‘You will be witnesses . . . ’ after he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

'You, be my witnesses...'  This was a commissioning--a bestowing of authority, as well as a command--that they were to go and tell others what they had witnessed.  They were to tell their neighbors and town folk (Jerusalem), and spread out to neighboring areas, (Judea), including those people who were hostile (Samaria), and keep going with the gospel until everyone heard.  Have you ever read the speeches of those who have been commissioned as military officers?  They were not just given authority, they were also deemed ready and able for the assignment.  Over all my growing up years hearing the term "The Great Commission," I have never thought of it that way.  Indeed, the commission Jesus spoke that day was meant for you and me as well.  And we are to take it seriously.

And then... Jesus ascended into the clouds.  Luke describes the ascension as happening 'before their very eyes' because it substantiates the event as an objective occurrence.  Can you just imagine the looks on the faces of the onlookers?  Some may have even fallen to the ground, I suppose.  As for Jesus, I believe he was only looking up, heavenward, ready to be with the Father again.  And how joyous God the Father would have been that day!  To add to the body of evidence of a risen, living Lord, those standing there see Jesus leaving earth with their own eyes.  Wow. Glorious.  Two angels appear and tell them that this same Jesus will come back in the same way they have seen Him go--in the clouds.  When Jesus came into the world, he was wrapped in cloths of linen; when he was buried, he was again wrapped in strips of linen--but those did not hold him.  How sad it would be if the grave would have conquered him. . . how hopeless.  Instead, he departs in majestic awe in clouds of glory.  Jesus--Son of God, going home.

Acts 1.12-14 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath's day walk from the city (a little less than 3/4 of a mile, according to the Mishnah).  When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas, son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Talk about a bonding experience for this group!  (You could slide right past the fact that Jesus' brothers were there, but it is significant because their presence indicates they now believe in Jesus as the Son of God.  John 7.5 records that they had not believed; but again, the resurrection changed everything)  What do you suppose they talked about on the road back to town?  Or, were they silent?  Probably both--they talked over each other about what they had seen, and then they were quiet.  Then they talked about what they ought do next, and for once, they chose well . . . stay together and pray.  Watch, ready themselves, and pray.  They didn't know what to expect, but Jesus had told them to tarry in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit.  Interesting--because you wonder how impetuous, impulsive Peter kept his tongue . . . he must have been bursting to tell everyone he passed that Jesus had ascended into the clouds before their very eyes!  But no----without the coming power of the Holy Spirit, his witness would have been powerless.  Jesus had said he would have to depart for the Holy Spirit to come; it is my prayer that yesterday's Morning Briefing whetted your appetite for the Holy Spirit . . . his promptings, presence, leading, gifts. . . if so, seek him.  Search your heart to see if it is a place where a Holy Spirit could reside.  Make room for him, by confessing anything that stands between you and him. 

Grace and Peace,

Christine