WEBVTT - Tony Evans - Oct 19 - 7:30 pm 0:00:00.569 --> 0:00:04.080 Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. 0:00:05.120 --> 0:00:09.840 And lo, I am with you always, even unto the 0:00:09.920 --> 0:00:10.560 end of the world. 0:00:11.580 --> 0:00:11.900 Amen. 0:00:13.160 --> 0:00:20.840 Matthew 28.20 Dear Jesus, When you left the disciples, you 0:00:20.900 --> 0:00:23.939 promised one of the greatest comforters that will ever be, 0:00:25.020 --> 0:00:29.000 and that is your Holy Spirit. In the same way 0:00:29.080 --> 0:00:33.600 the disciples waited in expectation for your Holy Spirit, I 0:00:33.659 --> 0:00:38.120 too will wait in expectation each and every morning for 0:00:38.190 --> 0:00:44.470 your Spirit to rest on my mind and heart. With 0:00:44.510 --> 0:00:48.750 the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I know that whatever 0:00:48.870 --> 0:00:53.490 I put my hands to will go from natural to supernatural. 0:00:55.210 --> 0:00:59.240 No matter what I do, I will not move. until 0:00:59.370 --> 0:01:04.330 I feel your supernatural hand upon me. I will not 0:01:04.390 --> 0:01:08.610 speak unless my words are empowered by your Holy Spirit. 0:01:10.530 --> 0:01:13.810 Thank you, Jesus, that you haven't left me by myself. 0:01:15.170 --> 0:01:18.590 Thank you that even when you ascended to heaven, you 0:01:18.650 --> 0:01:22.070 cared enough about our lives to give us the one 0:01:22.190 --> 0:01:28.089 who puts power behind your word, the Holy Spirit. as 0:01:28.150 --> 0:01:33.050 I grow in my faith. Holy Spirit, teach me and 0:01:33.130 --> 0:01:40.720 lead me into all truth. In Jesus' name, amen. Stay 0:01:40.760 --> 0:01:44.400 tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told 0:01:44.819 --> 0:01:48.210 from Pray.com's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. 0:01:50.230 --> 0:01:52.770 Hi, I'm Dr. Tony Evans, your host for Heroes in 0:01:52.790 --> 0:01:56.110 the Bible, Jesus. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, 0:01:56.170 --> 0:01:58.190 please share it with your family and friends so that 0:01:58.230 --> 0:02:01.500 they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way, because 0:02:01.560 --> 0:02:05.139 knowing Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible. Welcome 0:02:05.160 --> 0:02:07.840 to The Greatest Story Ever Told. It is the story 0:02:07.880 --> 0:02:10.560 of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love 0:02:10.580 --> 0:02:14.220 for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness. 0:02:14.950 --> 0:02:17.250 This is a story that continues to shape and mold 0:02:17.290 --> 0:02:20.310 the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God 0:02:20.430 --> 0:02:23.160 right into the hearts of you and me. This is 0:02:23.240 --> 0:02:27.040 our final episode together. Throughout this episode, we get the 0:02:27.120 --> 0:02:30.600 sense that although Jesus is leaving, things are going to 0:02:30.690 --> 0:02:34.310 change for the better. His departure is a sign of hope, 0:02:34.450 --> 0:02:38.210 not sorrow. And the disciples are left with a grand 0:02:38.270 --> 0:02:42.170 and beautiful mission. The commission Jesus leaves the disciples is 0:02:42.250 --> 0:02:46.160 also for us. As our final story unfolds, put yourself 0:02:46.280 --> 0:02:50.359 in the disciples' shoes. Take Jesus' words as an invitation 0:02:50.419 --> 0:02:53.730 to a grand adventure. I have enjoyed going through the 0:02:53.790 --> 0:02:56.850 series with you. I pray that the life and ministry 0:02:56.889 --> 0:03:00.030 of Jesus impacted you in some way. I find it 0:03:00.090 --> 0:03:03.330 impossible to interact with the story of Jesus and leave unchanged. 0:03:04.070 --> 0:03:06.790 My encouragement for you as we embark on our last 0:03:06.889 --> 0:03:11.430 episode is to have hope. Have hope that the compassion, kindness, 0:03:11.470 --> 0:03:14.290 and miracles of Jesus can live on through you and me. 0:03:14.660 --> 0:03:18.300 There is no cultural way, political power, or toxic ideology 0:03:18.620 --> 0:03:21.630 that can thwart the work of God. Take heart today 0:03:21.690 --> 0:03:25.489 and follow the example of the disciples. Great and miraculous 0:03:25.550 --> 0:03:28.430 things await those who put their faith and hope in Jesus. 0:03:29.050 --> 0:03:31.889 This episode begins like all the others, with a prelude. 0:03:32.450 --> 0:03:34.930 We will visit Moses as he speaks to God through 0:03:34.950 --> 0:03:37.990 the burning bush. The call of Moses was grand and 0:03:38.050 --> 0:03:40.810 terrifying at the same time. He was called to liberate 0:03:40.850 --> 0:03:43.950 an entire nation from the bonds of a tyrant. He, 0:03:44.010 --> 0:03:47.590 like many of us, felt unqualified and afraid. But God 0:03:47.630 --> 0:03:51.450 doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called. Let's finish 0:03:51.510 --> 0:03:54.430 well together. After the end of this episode, I will 0:03:54.470 --> 0:03:58.810 give you some parting thoughts and prayers. Here is episode 23, 0:03:58.810 --> 0:04:07.190 Go Therefore. 0:04:09.010 --> 0:04:11.710 It was midday, and the wind was whistling through the 0:04:11.750 --> 0:04:16.710 canyons above the camp of Jethro. Soft green grass lay 0:04:16.800 --> 0:04:20.460 gently on the mountain's edge, and Moses' sheep were grazing 0:04:20.500 --> 0:04:24.550 in peace. Moses laid in the field next to his sheep, 0:04:25.050 --> 0:04:28.570 enjoying the mild sun shining through cracks in the canyons. 0:04:30.150 --> 0:04:34.830 Then Moses saw a light flickering in the distance. He 0:04:34.890 --> 0:04:38.190 perked his head up and approached the light with trepidation. 0:04:39.690 --> 0:04:42.980 Around the corner he found a blazing fire engulfing a tree. 0:04:44.060 --> 0:04:47.470 The fire raged and swayed to the wind above, Yet 0:04:47.510 --> 0:04:54.109 the tree was not consumed or burned. Moses, the tree whispered. 0:04:54.950 --> 0:04:55.909 Moses. 0:04:56.589 --> 0:04:57.630 Moses stepped forward. 0:04:58.230 --> 0:04:58.830 Here I am. 0:04:59.350 --> 0:05:03.390 Moses stopped. The ground near the tree was beating with power. 0:05:04.630 --> 0:05:07.150 It was as if the mountain had a beating heart. 0:05:08.830 --> 0:05:11.710 He looked up to see the tree standing with power 0:05:12.060 --> 0:05:16.480 and majesty. The flames whistled around the tree like doves. 0:05:17.270 --> 0:05:22.070 Why isn't the tree burning? Moses whispered to himself. He 0:05:22.110 --> 0:05:26.589 took another step, but the tree spoke again, saying, Do. 0:05:26.500 --> 0:05:31.740 Not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for the 0:05:31.800 --> 0:05:35.180 ground on which you stand is holy ground. 0:05:35.820 --> 0:05:39.660 Moses did as he was commanded, now standing in amazement 0:05:39.860 --> 0:05:40.560 before the flame. 0:05:41.779 --> 0:05:42.560 Who are you? 0:05:43.250 --> 0:05:43.940 Moses asked. 0:05:44.750 --> 0:05:49.410 I am the God of your fathers. the God of Abraham, 0:05:50.010 --> 0:05:54.050 the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 0:05:54.930 --> 0:05:58.080 When Moses heard this, he covered his face and fell 0:05:58.120 --> 0:06:02.500 to his knees. He now fully understood he was in 0:06:02.520 --> 0:06:07.779 the presence of the Most High God, Elohim, the Creator 0:06:08.060 --> 0:06:12.070 of the heavens and earth. The fire pulsated to the 0:06:12.150 --> 0:06:13.070 rhythm of his voice. 0:06:13.870 --> 0:06:18.150 I have seen the oppression of my peoples. They are 0:06:18.230 --> 0:06:22.780 in bondage under the hard fist of Egypt. I have 0:06:22.839 --> 0:06:27.960 heard their cries. I have come to redeem them from 0:06:28.100 --> 0:06:33.670 darkness and to lead them out of slavery. I will 0:06:33.730 --> 0:06:37.810 bring them to a new land, a land flowing with 0:06:37.950 --> 0:06:39.190 milk and honey. 0:06:39.529 --> 0:06:43.550 Moses knelt in awe. Beside him was the living God. 0:06:44.630 --> 0:06:46.910 His voice echoed was like the sound of a thousand 0:06:46.970 --> 0:06:51.250 rushing waters. He spoke to the heart of Moses and. 0:06:51.230 --> 0:06:57.520 Said, Go therefore to Pharaoh, for I am sending you 0:06:57.940 --> 0:07:01.240 to lead my people out of Egypt. 0:07:02.100 --> 0:07:05.000 Moses backed away from the tree and stood to his feet. 0:07:05.960 --> 0:07:07.420 He opened up his arms and said. 0:07:08.120 --> 0:07:10.700 Who am I to stand before the king of Egypt? 0:07:11.640 --> 0:07:12.920 You must have the wrong man. 0:07:13.580 --> 0:07:17.630 Moses had grown up in Egypt, and knew their power. Furthermore, 0:07:17.930 --> 0:07:20.110 he was also a member of the royal family that 0:07:20.150 --> 0:07:24.610 oppressed God's people for generations. He did not feel worthy 0:07:24.650 --> 0:07:27.450 of the task, nor did he want to leave his home. 0:07:29.250 --> 0:07:37.280 Surrounded by light, God spoke. Do not be afraid, my child. Behold, 0:07:38.020 --> 0:07:41.860 I will be with you always. If I do go, 0:07:43.100 --> 0:07:46.540 whom shall I say sent me? Moses asked in fear. 0:07:48.440 --> 0:07:52.030 The fire flickered and grew larger. Its radiance was like 0:07:52.050 --> 0:07:56.930 the rising sun, and the voice illuminated from the flames boldly. 0:07:58.090 --> 0:08:00.890 I am that I am. 0:08:01.450 --> 0:08:02.450 He said with power. 0:08:02.980 --> 0:08:10.540 Say it is, I am Yahweh, the God of your fathers, 0:08:11.340 --> 0:08:16.940 the God of Abraham. The God of Isaac and the 0:08:17.000 --> 0:08:24.180 God of Jacob. This is my name forever, and I 0:08:24.380 --> 0:08:28.930 will be remembered throughout all generations. 0:08:29.570 --> 0:08:33.910 So Moses departed down the mountain. He looked at his 0:08:33.970 --> 0:08:38.150 sheep trailing behind him. There were more sheep who needed 0:08:38.190 --> 0:08:42.329 to be tended to. There were people captive and in 0:08:42.410 --> 0:08:47.500 need of a shepherd. Moses left with purpose, power, and 0:08:47.620 --> 0:08:51.520 love for his people. He empowered him to march down 0:08:51.580 --> 0:08:55.420 that mountain and reclaim the people of God. He knew 0:08:55.440 --> 0:08:59.590 he was not alone. The God of his ancestors walked 0:08:59.620 --> 0:09:03.790 beside him. The great I Am was prepared to go 0:09:03.870 --> 0:09:17.459 before him. Together again, Jesus and the eleven disciples reclined 0:09:17.740 --> 0:09:22.040 at a small table enjoying a meal. The room was 0:09:22.120 --> 0:09:26.370 small and humble. The wooden table was old and rickety, 0:09:26.730 --> 0:09:30.250 and the fireplace was worn and weathered from years of use. 0:09:31.750 --> 0:09:35.830 Yet there was joy in the room. The disciples' laughter 0:09:35.910 --> 0:09:41.309 shook the four walls. Jesus watched his disciples laugh, bicker, eat, 0:09:41.790 --> 0:09:48.380 and pray. Their joy was complete. in light of Christ's resurrection. Now, 0:09:48.740 --> 0:09:51.120 there was only one thing left for Jesus to do. 0:09:52.870 --> 0:09:56.069 He would leave them again. But this time, it would 0:09:56.110 --> 0:10:00.480 not be a sorrowful or mysterious goodbye. it would be 0:10:00.559 --> 0:10:05.640 filled with hope and promise Jesus had completed the work 0:10:05.740 --> 0:10:09.340 necessary for them to thrive and scatter throughout the nations 0:10:10.640 --> 0:10:12.619 he took a sip from his cup and set it 0:10:12.660 --> 0:10:16.939 down clearing his throat he lifted his voice for them. 0:10:16.840 --> 0:10:17.340 To hear. 0:10:18.840 --> 0:10:20.940 You did not believe those who claimed I had risen 0:10:21.000 --> 0:10:22.140 from the dead, did you? 0:10:23.250 --> 0:10:27.709 Jesus asked. The eleven men looked at Jesus, feeling convicted 0:10:27.830 --> 0:10:31.890 that they had not known sooner. Jesus smiled and shook 0:10:31.929 --> 0:10:32.310 his head. 0:10:32.809 --> 0:10:35.689 Be mindful of this, my dear children. Soon you will 0:10:35.710 --> 0:10:39.230 be proclaiming my resurrection, and people will not want to 0:10:39.309 --> 0:10:43.530 believe you either. You have seen me and believed, yet 0:10:43.570 --> 0:10:46.650 blessed are those who have not seen me and still believe. 0:10:47.650 --> 0:10:48.610 What are you going to do now? 0:10:48.950 --> 0:10:52.810 James asked Jesus. We are eager to follow you. Jesus 0:10:52.850 --> 0:10:56.730 looked around the room. The men were awaiting a new mission. 0:10:57.690 --> 0:11:01.550 They were anticipating a revolution of some sorts with Jesus 0:11:01.630 --> 0:11:05.719 at the front. However, Jesus was about to shift their 0:11:05.820 --> 0:11:07.319 expectations yet again. 0:11:08.200 --> 0:11:09.980 Now we go into the world. 0:11:11.040 --> 0:11:11.920 Jesus responded. 0:11:12.820 --> 0:11:16.360 You will proclaim the gospel to my creation and reconcile 0:11:16.400 --> 0:11:19.900 their hearts to God. You will be my ambassadors on 0:11:19.940 --> 0:11:24.360 the earth, proclaiming the coming kingdom. People will believe in 0:11:24.440 --> 0:11:29.580 me and be saved. However, many will reject me and 0:11:29.640 --> 0:11:30.330 be condemned. 0:11:31.880 --> 0:11:32.630 Where do we begin? 0:11:33.150 --> 0:11:34.250 Peter asked eagerly. 0:11:35.170 --> 0:11:36.290 With faith, Peter. 0:11:36.630 --> 0:11:37.970 Jesus said softly. 0:11:38.570 --> 0:11:40.890 There will be many signs and wonders you will behold. 0:11:41.590 --> 0:11:44.010 Yet you must wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. 0:11:44.830 --> 0:11:48.010 He will guide you into all truth, with him counseling you. 0:11:48.480 --> 0:11:51.220 You will be able to cast out demons, speak in 0:11:51.280 --> 0:11:54.420 new tongues, and be immune to the poisons of this world. 0:11:55.179 --> 0:11:57.400 You will lay hands on the sick as I have, 0:11:57.710 --> 0:12:02.230 and they will be healed. Yet it all begins with faith. 0:12:03.090 --> 0:12:07.370 With these words, Jesus stood to his feet. He breathed 0:12:07.470 --> 0:12:09.829 in deeply and embraced his disciples. 0:12:10.510 --> 0:12:13.270 Meet me on the mountain above Galilee, he whispered. 0:12:14.570 --> 0:12:18.620 Then, as he had several times before, He vanished into 0:12:18.660 --> 0:12:23.160 thin air. John smiled and ran out the door towards 0:12:23.220 --> 0:12:27.040 the mountains. Being the youngest, he was filled with youthful 0:12:27.200 --> 0:12:31.140 energy that was infectious. The other disciples did not bring 0:12:31.280 --> 0:12:35.689 any packs or coats. They ran to the mountains behind John. 0:12:37.110 --> 0:12:39.770 As they weaved through the town of Galilee, many others 0:12:39.830 --> 0:12:44.310 began to follow. Jesus had revealed himself to over 500 0:12:44.309 --> 0:12:47.630 people in the 40 days since his resurrection. and had 0:12:47.670 --> 0:12:51.730 called many to join him up on the mountain. Men, women, 0:12:51.790 --> 0:12:55.410 and children all left their homes and workplaces to hike 0:12:55.570 --> 0:12:58.620 up to the place of meeting. It was later in 0:12:58.630 --> 0:13:01.559 the day, and the wind was whistling through the canyons 0:13:01.660 --> 0:13:07.140 above Galilee. Soft green grass lay gently on the mountain's edge. 0:13:08.340 --> 0:13:11.800 John was still running, while others jogged and walked behind him. 0:13:12.820 --> 0:13:15.230 The sun would be setting soon, and John did not 0:13:15.290 --> 0:13:19.740 want to miss what would happen next. Trailing close behind 0:13:19.800 --> 0:13:23.000 him was Peter. The two of them scaled the rocks 0:13:23.280 --> 0:13:27.220 and took shortcuts. As if they were racing the sun, 0:13:27.540 --> 0:13:30.199 the two of them ran swiftly up the edge, up 0:13:30.380 --> 0:13:34.439 onto the plateau. They stopped and looked around in awe. 0:13:35.620 --> 0:13:38.489 The sun's rays were shooting out in a hundred directions, 0:13:38.910 --> 0:13:42.809 bouncing off the towns and valleys below. In front of 0:13:42.850 --> 0:13:46.730 them stood Jesus, looking out in the direction of Jerusalem. 0:13:48.100 --> 0:13:52.500 The gentle wind bustled around him. His robe and hair 0:13:52.580 --> 0:13:56.240 flew back in the wind, and Jesus lifted his eyes 0:13:56.300 --> 0:14:01.460 to heaven, basking in the final hour of sunlight. The 0:14:01.520 --> 0:14:04.120 others made their way up the mountain. There was a 0:14:04.200 --> 0:14:08.489 palpable feeling of anticipation in the air as they all 0:14:08.550 --> 0:14:13.010 gathered before Jesus. The Son of God stood there on 0:14:13.050 --> 0:14:17.020 the mountain's edge. The radiance of the sun was nothing 0:14:17.100 --> 0:14:21.840 in comparison to his glory. Small slivers of light began 0:14:21.880 --> 0:14:26.720 to shine through his skin like flickering flames. Hundreds of 0:14:26.760 --> 0:14:31.000 them bowed before Jesus. They sang his name and proclaimed 0:14:31.060 --> 0:14:36.220 his mighty works to the heavens. Hallelujah, they sang. Hallelujah 0:14:36.240 --> 0:14:39.940 to the Son of David. For the first time in history, 0:14:40.460 --> 0:14:43.700 a group of people gathered to worship the risen King. 0:14:45.300 --> 0:14:48.780 They sang his praises and spoke of his glory and grace. 0:14:50.200 --> 0:14:53.420 Their songs of hope and salvation would resonate for a 0:14:53.540 --> 0:14:59.540 thousand generations. People of all creeds, cultures, and tongues would 0:14:59.600 --> 0:15:04.060 gather together for the sole purpose of worshiping the risen Christ. 0:15:05.660 --> 0:15:08.640 His name would be on their lips, and his mighty 0:15:08.720 --> 0:15:13.640 deeds would be proclaimed into the heavens. Peter stepped forward 0:15:13.680 --> 0:15:18.940 from the crowd. My Lord, Peter stopped. The ground near 0:15:19.000 --> 0:15:23.240 Jesus was beating with power. It was as if the 0:15:23.340 --> 0:15:27.680 mountain had a beating heart. He looked up to see Jesus. 0:15:28.970 --> 0:15:31.890 When Peter saw him, he covered his face and fell 0:15:31.970 --> 0:15:36.489 to his knees. He now fully understood he was in 0:15:36.530 --> 0:15:42.120 the presence of the Most High God, Elohim, the Creator 0:15:42.160 --> 0:15:45.290 of the heavens and earth. He was speaking to the 0:15:45.410 --> 0:15:49.410 Great Deliverer, the voice from the burning bush, the Great 0:15:49.670 --> 0:15:54.720 I Am. Where he was standing was holy ground. He 0:15:54.800 --> 0:15:56.470 bowed before him and looked up. 0:15:57.120 --> 0:16:01.250 Jesus, is it time for you to restore the kingdom 0:16:01.610 --> 0:16:02.310 of Israel? 0:16:02.850 --> 0:16:03.470 Peter asked. 0:16:04.130 --> 0:16:05.750 Is it time for you to take the throne of 0:16:05.810 --> 0:16:07.270 David and claim your authority? 0:16:07.870 --> 0:16:11.930 Jesus looked down at Peter and walked towards him. The 0:16:11.990 --> 0:16:16.110 earth beneath him rippled with each step. The air around 0:16:16.150 --> 0:16:21.400 him was warm and inviting. From his voice resonated the 0:16:21.480 --> 0:16:22.940 very power of God. 0:16:24.240 --> 0:16:24.860 Authority? 0:16:25.640 --> 0:16:26.280 Jesus asked. 0:16:26.580 --> 0:16:29.920 All authority I have, Peter, I give to you. You 0:16:29.960 --> 0:16:33.030 will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 0:16:33.350 --> 0:16:35.970 and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in 0:16:36.030 --> 0:16:39.430 all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. 0:16:39.530 --> 0:16:40.670 Jesus looked to the crowd. 0:16:41.030 --> 0:16:42.030 And raised his arms. 0:16:42.810 --> 0:16:45.670 All authority in heaven and on earth is mine. I 0:16:45.710 --> 0:16:48.050 hold the very power of the universe in my hands, 0:16:48.610 --> 0:16:51.230 the power to transform and save. 0:16:52.830 --> 0:16:56.410 Jesus' voice grew louder, and the clouds around him began 0:16:56.430 --> 0:17:00.700 to illuminate with light. The crowd looked behind Jesus to 0:17:00.760 --> 0:17:04.700 see the sun holding its place on the horizon. It 0:17:04.760 --> 0:17:07.640 became impossible to tell where the light was coming from. 0:17:08.380 --> 0:17:13.990 The sunset, the clouds, Or Jesus himself? Like a thousand 0:17:14.109 --> 0:17:18.430 raging waters, Jesus' voice poured forth to his followers. 0:17:18.930 --> 0:17:23.379 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them 0:17:23.410 --> 0:17:26.060 in the name of the Father, the Son, and the 0:17:26.140 --> 0:17:27.140 Holy Spirit. 0:17:27.660 --> 0:17:33.340 Matthew gazed upon Jesus. He noticed that Jesus' feet were rising. 0:17:33.020 --> 0:17:33.699 Above the ground. 0:17:34.420 --> 0:17:39.940 He's leaving, Matthew realized. Matthew ran to Jesus and fell 0:17:39.960 --> 0:17:43.899 at his feet beside Peter. The eleven disciples fell to 0:17:43.920 --> 0:17:46.879 their knees and watched as the Son of God rose 0:17:46.960 --> 0:17:47.370 above them. 0:17:47.960 --> 0:17:50.980 Teach others to observe what I have taught you, Jesus said, 0:17:51.350 --> 0:17:55.510 to love, to obey, to sacrifice, and to serve. 0:17:55.930 --> 0:17:56.830 Master, no! 0:17:57.330 --> 0:18:02.750 Matthew shouted. Tears streamed down his face. He was frightened. 0:18:03.390 --> 0:18:05.410 He did not want to be away from the presence 0:18:05.450 --> 0:18:11.070 of Jesus. In him he had found hope, power, and acceptance. 0:18:11.970 --> 0:18:14.609 All of the disciples raised their eyes in awe of 0:18:14.670 --> 0:18:18.859 the risen God. The heavens cracked open, and the light 0:18:18.880 --> 0:18:21.960 of the Lord burst forth like a stream of living water. 0:18:23.300 --> 0:18:28.560 It fell from the skies and enveloped Jesus. Surrounded by light, 0:18:29.220 --> 0:18:30.180 Jesus smiled. 0:18:30.560 --> 0:18:32.100 Do not be afraid, my children. 0:18:32.900 --> 0:18:35.459 Behold, I will be with you always. 0:18:36.290 --> 0:18:37.629 Even to the end of time. 0:18:38.690 --> 0:18:42.020 As he said this, the light enveloped him, and he 0:18:42.100 --> 0:18:46.920 disappeared into the skies like a vapor. The sun's rays 0:18:47.000 --> 0:18:51.220 retreated back into the horizon, and the clouds disappeared into 0:18:51.240 --> 0:18:57.310 the skies. Jesus of Nazareth, Son of God, the Great 0:18:57.550 --> 0:19:00.830 I Am, had gone to be with his Father in 0:19:00.869 --> 0:19:04.550 the heavens. There he would prepare a place for them 0:19:05.690 --> 0:19:08.540 he would map out the course of eternity with them 0:19:08.600 --> 0:19:12.820 in mind. The king of kings would be the architect 0:19:12.859 --> 0:19:17.840 of his kingdom on earth and in heaven. The disciples 0:19:18.020 --> 0:19:20.859 awed up in the skies as the orange hues of 0:19:20.940 --> 0:19:26.280 sunset turned darker. Two voices interrupted their gaze, saying. 0:19:27.240 --> 0:19:30.850 Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking to heaven? 0:19:32.030 --> 0:19:33.570 You have a calling to fulfill. 0:19:33.590 --> 0:19:36.379 The disciples looked Jesus has been taken up into his 0:19:36.400 --> 0:19:38.859 dwelling place. He will come back in the same manner. 0:19:40.170 --> 0:19:43.790 They smiled and stretched out their arms. 0:19:44.890 --> 0:19:48.540 Jesus has been taken up into his dwelling place. He 0:19:48.580 --> 0:19:52.500 will come back in the same manner. Be watchful, they said. 0:19:53.520 --> 0:19:57.740 Peter nodded in agreement. He looked at the other ten disciples. 0:19:58.940 --> 0:20:02.679 He looked at James and John. He nodded to Andrew, 0:20:02.840 --> 0:20:07.360 his brother, and Philip. He placed his hand on Bartholomew 0:20:07.740 --> 0:20:11.710 and gathered Matthew, Thomas, and James, the son of Alphaeus. 0:20:13.390 --> 0:20:17.810 Thaddeus and Simon came in close as well. Peter felt 0:20:17.830 --> 0:20:22.649 a deep fire within his belly. Jesus had gone, but 0:20:22.690 --> 0:20:27.910 he was still present. His spirit dwelled within him, ready 0:20:27.950 --> 0:20:33.300 to guide, convict, and empower him. Peter and the ten 0:20:33.340 --> 0:20:38.220 disciples looked to Jerusalem in the distance. The wind howled 0:20:38.300 --> 0:20:43.090 as the final hints of light disappeared peter closed his 0:20:43.250 --> 0:20:46.310 eyes remembering the words jesus spoke. 0:20:46.050 --> 0:20:48.770 To him by the fire tend to my. 0:20:48.690 --> 0:20:52.550 Sheep peter opened his eyes and marched down the mountain 0:20:53.470 --> 0:20:56.330 there were sheep who needed to be tended to there 0:20:56.369 --> 0:21:00.149 were people lost in need of a shepherd the disciples 0:21:00.230 --> 0:21:04.820 left with purpose power and love for god's people he 0:21:04.910 --> 0:21:08.580 empowered them to march down that mountain and reclaim the 0:21:08.660 --> 0:21:13.219 people of god They knew they were not alone. The 0:21:13.280 --> 0:21:17.300 God of their ancestors walked beside them. The Great I 0:21:17.460 --> 0:21:21.280 Am was with them. All the nations would soon hear 0:21:21.320 --> 0:21:25.590 the story of the Good Shepherd, the Hero of Scripture, 0:21:26.730 --> 0:21:30.030 the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 0:21:35.330 --> 0:21:38.330 There we have it. A beautiful end to a beautiful story. 0:21:38.690 --> 0:21:41.500 The final page in a brilliant book. But it doesn't 0:21:41.560 --> 0:21:44.340 feel like the end, does it? That's because it isn't. 0:21:44.859 --> 0:21:47.810 The departure of Jesus isn't the end of anything, but 0:21:47.830 --> 0:21:52.189 the beginning of everything. Jesus' ascension into heaven hearkens to 0:21:52.230 --> 0:21:55.190 the dawn of a new era. The Son of God left, 0:21:55.570 --> 0:21:57.750 making room for the Spirit of God to dwell and 0:21:57.790 --> 0:22:01.530 work among his followers. This episode wasn't somber like the 0:22:01.570 --> 0:22:05.609 crucifixion because Jesus' departure wasn't a death, but a sign 0:22:05.630 --> 0:22:08.510 of new life. He left to prepare a place for us, 0:22:08.710 --> 0:22:11.090 and we have his spirit dwelling in and among us 0:22:11.369 --> 0:22:14.840 for the mission ahead. God never gives his commission without 0:22:14.910 --> 0:22:18.540 first giving us his comfort. Jesus tended to his disciples' 0:22:18.600 --> 0:22:22.180 hearts before giving them the ultimate mission. He reminded them 0:22:22.220 --> 0:22:25.280 of his love, power, and presence before calling them to 0:22:25.320 --> 0:22:28.330 go and make disciples. You and I can take heart 0:22:28.390 --> 0:22:31.430 that God wants to supply us with all the strength 0:22:31.530 --> 0:22:35.270 necessary to perform his purposes. He won't leave us alone 0:22:35.430 --> 0:22:38.669 and confused. That is why we need His Spirit. The 0:22:38.730 --> 0:22:41.830 Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, directs our course, 0:22:41.890 --> 0:22:44.859 convicts us of sin, and challenges us to live up 0:22:44.900 --> 0:22:48.200 to our calling. Jesus said in John 16, I tell 0:22:48.220 --> 0:22:50.800 you the truth, it is to your advantage that I 0:22:50.840 --> 0:22:53.399 go away. For if I do not go away, the 0:22:53.460 --> 0:22:55.890 Spirit will not come to you. But if I go, 0:22:55.910 --> 0:22:58.550 I will send Him to you. Jesus said it was 0:22:58.630 --> 0:23:00.970 better that He depart so that He might have the 0:23:01.030 --> 0:23:04.680 Holy Spirit in His place. After Jesus comforted and spent 0:23:04.720 --> 0:23:07.460 time with his disciples, he said, meet me on the 0:23:07.500 --> 0:23:10.820 mountain above Galilee. We have talked about a few different 0:23:10.859 --> 0:23:14.270 images that are commonly used in scripture. Mountains are common 0:23:14.310 --> 0:23:18.070 motifs used by God. The ancient Hebrews believed that Eden 0:23:18.109 --> 0:23:20.430 was set on a high place where heaven and earth 0:23:20.470 --> 0:23:24.570 converged in beautiful harmony. That is why many major events 0:23:24.609 --> 0:23:28.109 in the Bible took place on mountains. Noah's ark settled 0:23:28.170 --> 0:23:31.070 on a mountain after the flood. Abraham marched up a 0:23:31.109 --> 0:23:34.810 mountain to sacrifice Isaac. In our prelude, Moses met the 0:23:34.850 --> 0:23:38.670 burning bush tucked between two canyons and a mountain. Moses 0:23:38.730 --> 0:23:42.790 received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. David captured the 0:23:42.890 --> 0:23:45.490 area known as Mount Zion where the temple was built. 0:23:46.190 --> 0:23:50.240 Elijah called fire down from heaven on Mount Carmel. Jesus' 0:23:50.280 --> 0:23:52.800 greatest sermon on the kingdom of God was given on 0:23:52.840 --> 0:23:56.159 a mountain. Jesus was transfigured on a mountain and his 0:23:56.200 --> 0:23:59.879 glory was shown to Peter, James, and John. Jesus was 0:23:59.940 --> 0:24:03.129 arrested to die on the Mount of Olives. Jesus marched 0:24:03.230 --> 0:24:05.350 up a hill of Golgotha to die for the sins 0:24:05.390 --> 0:24:09.050 of humanity. And finally, on the mountain range of Galilee, 0:24:09.530 --> 0:24:13.149 Jesus ascended into heaven. The Bible is our mountain, a 0:24:13.210 --> 0:24:15.970 high place for us to meet God and hear from 0:24:16.030 --> 0:24:19.530 the heart of heaven. 500 people witnessed the risen Lord, 0:24:19.650 --> 0:24:21.909 and many of them met with the disciples on the 0:24:21.950 --> 0:24:25.510 mountain to see Jesus depart. On the high place where 0:24:25.530 --> 0:24:28.940 heaven and earth converge, the first church service took place. 0:24:29.660 --> 0:24:32.149 They sang his name and proclaimed his mighty works to 0:24:32.170 --> 0:24:36.270 the heavens. Hallelujah, they sang. Hallelujah to the son of David. 0:24:36.770 --> 0:24:38.810 For the first time in history, a group of people 0:24:38.850 --> 0:24:41.970 gathered to worship the risen king. They sang his praises 0:24:42.030 --> 0:24:44.820 and spoke of his glory and grace. Their songs of 0:24:44.880 --> 0:24:49.000 hope and salvation would resonate for a thousand generations. People 0:24:49.040 --> 0:24:52.480 of all creeds, cultures, and tongues would gather together for 0:24:52.520 --> 0:24:55.700 the sole purpose of worshiping the risen Christ. His name 0:24:55.720 --> 0:24:57.720 would be on their lips and his mighty deeds would 0:24:57.740 --> 0:25:00.240 be proclaimed into the heavens. Every time you and I 0:25:00.280 --> 0:25:02.830 meet at church or in our homes to worship, we 0:25:02.880 --> 0:25:05.469 are attempting to capture a moment like this, where our 0:25:05.550 --> 0:25:08.230 songs to God unite us and our love for Jesus 0:25:08.290 --> 0:25:11.850 empowers us. When the singing was finished, the mountains began 0:25:11.890 --> 0:25:14.970 to tremble. We were taken back to the prelude when 0:25:14.990 --> 0:25:19.439 the presence of God was tangible and spectacular. Jesus began 0:25:19.480 --> 0:25:23.530 his ascension, giving his disciples one final charge. Go therefore 0:25:23.670 --> 0:25:26.830 and make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the 0:25:26.869 --> 0:25:29.689 name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 0:25:29.930 --> 0:25:31.950 This calling is carried out by you and me every 0:25:31.990 --> 0:25:35.840 day with every act of compassion, moment of love, and 0:25:35.880 --> 0:25:39.500 intentional conversation. We do not embark on this mission alone. 0:25:40.200 --> 0:25:42.720 We have the comforting presence of Jesus in our hearts 0:25:43.109 --> 0:25:46.189