“Next Man Up”

 

Rev. Jerry Shepard, Interim Minister
Frances Cadle, Ministerial Intern
Josh Hamilton, Choir Director
Joyce McGee, Accompanist
Glen Payne, Audio Technician
Ron Cadle, Liturgist

How in the world did the church emerge from the trauma of the crucifixion of Jesus and the absence of Jesus after his ascension into heaven? While the resurrection of Jesus was sandwiched between those two important events, was the resurrection enough to assuage the fear of the disciples that they too could end up hanging on a cross? Without Jesus to lead them, how would the followers of Jesus know where to go and what a to do next? What was the future of the Jesus movement? Was there any? Wouldn’t it be likely, that the disciples would conclude that the movement Jesus started would die and that the disciples would just go home to resume the lives they had before they met Jesus?

Of course, that is not what happened. The disciples emerged from isolation after seven weeks (sound familiar) and thrust themselves headlong into the mission of Jesus. So, what happened to the disciples those 40 days between the resurrection of Jesus and the ascension of Jesus?

If you are a long time Christian you probably are saying to yourself, “Pentecost happened on day 50 and transformed the disciples.” And you are right! But there is more to the story. What was going on with Jesus and the disciples for 40 days? What were they up to? Our scripture this Sunday is Acts 1:1-14. I will have all the answers for you (not), on Sunday!

The answers I do share with you may help us understand what it means to be a Christian. And having that understanding has implications for the survival of the church today, as it did in the past.

Looking forward to worshiping with you!