1 00:00:00,600 --> 00:00:04,120 Speaker 1: Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, 2 00:00:05,120 --> 00:00:09,880 Speaker 1: and lo I am with you always, even unto the 3 00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:10,640 Speaker 1: end of the world. 4 00:00:11,520 --> 00:00:11,920 Speaker 2: Amen. 5 00:00:13,160 --> 00:00:20,000 Speaker 1: Matthew twenty eight twenty. Dear Jesus, when you left the Disciples, 6 00:00:20,680 --> 00:00:23,880 Speaker 1: you promised one of the greatest comforters that will ever be, 7 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:29,040 Speaker 1: and that is your Holy Spirit. In the same way 8 00:00:29,120 --> 00:00:33,519 Speaker 1: the Disciples waited in expectation for your Holy Spirit, I 9 00:00:33,720 --> 00:00:38,040 Speaker 1: too will wait in expectation each and every morning for 10 00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:44,440 Speaker 1: your Spirit to rest on my mind and heart. With 11 00:00:44,560 --> 00:00:48,760 Speaker 1: the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I know that whatever 12 00:00:48,840 --> 00:00:53,560 Speaker 1: I put my hands to will go from natural to supernatural. 13 00:00:55,200 --> 00:00:59,320 Speaker 1: No matter what I do, I will not move until 14 00:00:59,320 --> 00:01:04,200 Speaker 1: I feel you your supernatural hand upon me. I will 15 00:01:04,240 --> 00:01:08,640 Speaker 1: not speak unless my words are empowered by your Holy Spirit. 16 00:01:10,560 --> 00:01:13,960 Speaker 1: Thank you, Jesus, that you haven't left me by myself. 17 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:18,560 Speaker 1: Thank you that even when you ascended to Heaven, you 18 00:01:18,720 --> 00:01:22,120 Speaker 1: cared enough about our lives to give us the one 19 00:01:22,160 --> 00:01:28,160 Speaker 1: who puts power behind your word, the Holy Spirit. As 20 00:01:28,200 --> 00:01:33,040 Speaker 1: I grow in my faith, Holy Spirit, teach me and 21 00:01:33,160 --> 00:01:40,760 Speaker 1: lead me into all truth in Jesus' name. Amen. Stay 22 00:01:40,800 --> 00:01:44,480 Speaker 1: tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told. 23 00:01:44,800 --> 00:01:48,280 Speaker 1: From pray dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible. 24 00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:52,800 Speaker 3: Hi, I'm back to Tony Evans Jehos's for Heroes in 25 00:01:52,840 --> 00:01:56,080 Speaker 3: the Bible Jesus. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, 26 00:01:56,160 --> 00:01:58,200 Speaker 3: please share it with your family and friends so that 27 00:01:58,280 --> 00:02:01,560 Speaker 3: they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way, because 28 00:02:01,600 --> 00:02:05,200 Speaker 3: knowing Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible. Welcome 29 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:07,880 Speaker 3: to the greatest story ever told. It is the story 30 00:02:07,920 --> 00:02:10,600 Speaker 3: of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love 31 00:02:10,639 --> 00:02:14,320 Speaker 3: for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness. 32 00:02:14,960 --> 00:02:17,280 Speaker 3: This is a story that continues to shape and mold 33 00:02:17,320 --> 00:02:20,360 Speaker 3: the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God 34 00:02:20,480 --> 00:02:23,200 Speaker 3: right into the hearts of you and me. This is 35 00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:27,120 Speaker 3: our final episode together. Throughout this episode, we get the 36 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:30,640 Speaker 3: sense that although Jesus is leaving, things are going to 37 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:34,360 Speaker 3: change for the better. His departure is a sign of hope, 38 00:02:34,520 --> 00:02:38,240 Speaker 3: not sorrow, and the Disciples are left with a grand 39 00:02:38,280 --> 00:02:42,240 Speaker 3: and beautiful mission. The commission Jesus leaves the Disciples is 40 00:02:42,280 --> 00:02:46,240 Speaker 3: also for us as our final story unfolds. Put yourself 41 00:02:46,280 --> 00:02:50,240 Speaker 3: in the Disciples' shoes. Take Jesus's words as an invitation 42 00:02:50,440 --> 00:02:53,760 Speaker 3: to a grand adventure. I have enjoyed going through the 43 00:02:53,840 --> 00:02:56,919 Speaker 3: series with you. I pray that the life and ministry 44 00:02:56,919 --> 00:02:59,919 Speaker 3: of Jesus impacted you in some way. I find it 45 00:03:00,160 --> 00:03:03,440 Speaker 3: impossible to interact with the story of Jesus and leave unchanged. 46 00:03:04,120 --> 00:03:06,880 Speaker 3: My encouragement for you as we embark when our last 47 00:03:06,919 --> 00:03:11,519 Speaker 3: episode is to have hope. Have hope that the compassion, kindness, 48 00:03:11,520 --> 00:03:14,280 Speaker 3: and miracles of Jesus can live on through you and me. 49 00:03:14,680 --> 00:03:18,399 Speaker 3: There is no cultural way, political power, or toxic ideology 50 00:03:18,639 --> 00:03:21,680 Speaker 3: that can thwart the work of God. Take heart today 51 00:03:21,720 --> 00:03:25,600 Speaker 3: and follow the example of the disciples. Great and miraculous 52 00:03:25,600 --> 00:03:28,560 Speaker 3: things await those who put their faith and hope in Jesus. 53 00:03:29,080 --> 00:03:32,160 Speaker 3: This episode begins, like all the others, with the prelude 54 00:03:32,440 --> 00:03:34,960 Speaker 3: we will visit Moses as he speaks to God through 55 00:03:35,000 --> 00:03:38,040 Speaker 3: the burning Bush. The call of Moses was grand and 56 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:41,040 Speaker 3: terrifying at the same time. He was called deliberate an 57 00:03:41,160 --> 00:03:44,200 Speaker 3: entire nation from the bonds of a tyrant. He, like 58 00:03:44,280 --> 00:03:47,960 Speaker 3: many of us, felt unqualified and afraid. But God doesn't 59 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:52,200 Speaker 3: call the qualified, He qualifies the call. Let's finish well together. 60 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:54,800 Speaker 3: After the end of this episode, I will give you 61 00:03:54,840 --> 00:03:58,200 Speaker 3: some parting thoughts and prayers. Here is episode twenty three. 62 00:03:58,840 --> 00:04:00,040 Speaker 3: Go therefore. 63 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:10,720 Speaker 4: Prelude Chapter twenty three. It was midday and the wind 64 00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:13,800 Speaker 4: was whistling through the canyons above the camp of Jatharl. 65 00:04:15,160 --> 00:04:18,680 Speaker 4: Soft green grass lay gently on the mountain's edge, and 66 00:04:18,800 --> 00:04:23,359 Speaker 4: Moses's sheep were grazing in peace. Moses laid in the 67 00:04:23,400 --> 00:04:27,280 Speaker 4: field next to his sheep, enjoying the mild sun shining 68 00:04:27,279 --> 00:04:32,000 Speaker 4: through cracks in the canyons. Then Moses saw a light 69 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:36,039 Speaker 4: flickering in the distance. He perked his head up and 70 00:04:36,120 --> 00:04:40,880 Speaker 4: approached the light with trepidation. Around the corner, he found 71 00:04:40,920 --> 00:04:45,480 Speaker 4: a blazing fire engulfing a tree. The fire raged and 72 00:04:45,520 --> 00:04:48,520 Speaker 4: swayed to the wind above, Yet the tree was not 73 00:04:48,760 --> 00:04:50,560 Speaker 4: consumed or burned. 74 00:04:51,720 --> 00:04:55,840 Speaker 2: Moses, the tree, whispered Moses. 75 00:04:56,600 --> 00:05:01,320 Speaker 4: Moses stepped forward. Here, I am Moses. Stop. The ground 76 00:05:01,400 --> 00:05:05,160 Speaker 4: near the tree was beating with power. It was as 77 00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:09,440 Speaker 4: if the mountain had a beating heart. He looked up 78 00:05:09,480 --> 00:05:13,839 Speaker 4: to see the tree standing with power, the Majesty. The 79 00:05:13,920 --> 00:05:16,599 Speaker 4: flames whistled around the tree like doves. 80 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:19,120 Speaker 5: Why isn't the tree burning. 81 00:05:19,120 --> 00:05:23,560 Speaker 4: Moses whispered to himself. He took another step, but the 82 00:05:23,600 --> 00:05:24,640 Speaker 4: tree spoke again. 83 00:05:25,160 --> 00:05:31,440 Speaker 2: Saying, do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, 84 00:05:31,480 --> 00:05:35,160 Speaker 2: for the ground on which you stand is holy ground. 85 00:05:35,839 --> 00:05:39,760 Speaker 4: Moses did as he was commanded, now standing in amazement 86 00:05:39,880 --> 00:05:44,600 Speaker 4: before the flame. Who are you, Moses asked. 87 00:05:44,600 --> 00:05:49,760 Speaker 2: I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, 88 00:05:50,040 --> 00:05:54,000 Speaker 2: the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 89 00:05:54,920 --> 00:05:58,119 Speaker 4: When Moses heard this, he covered his face and fell 90 00:05:58,160 --> 00:06:02,520 Speaker 4: to his knees. He now fully understood he was in 91 00:06:02,560 --> 00:06:07,839 Speaker 4: the presence of the most High God, ELOHI, the creator 92 00:06:08,080 --> 00:06:12,080 Speaker 4: of the heavens and earth. The fire pulsated to the 93 00:06:12,160 --> 00:06:13,320 Speaker 4: rhythm of his voice. 94 00:06:13,800 --> 00:06:18,200 Speaker 2: I have seen the oppression of my people. They are 95 00:06:18,240 --> 00:06:22,719 Speaker 2: in bondage under the hard fist of Egypt. I have 96 00:06:22,880 --> 00:06:28,000 Speaker 2: heard their cries. I have come to redeem them from 97 00:06:28,160 --> 00:06:33,720 Speaker 2: darkness and to lead them out of slavery. I will 98 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:37,719 Speaker 2: bring them to a new land, a land flowing with 99 00:06:37,960 --> 00:06:39,240 Speaker 2: milk and honey. 100 00:06:39,560 --> 00:06:43,560 Speaker 4: Moses knelt in awe. Beside him was the Living God. 101 00:06:44,640 --> 00:06:48,120 Speaker 4: His voice was like the sound of a thousand rushing waters. 102 00:06:48,880 --> 00:06:51,240 Speaker 4: He spoke to the heart of Moses and. 103 00:06:51,240 --> 00:06:57,440 Speaker 2: Said, go therefore too, Pharaoh, for I am sending you 104 00:06:57,960 --> 00:07:01,120 Speaker 2: to lead my people out of Egypt. 105 00:07:02,120 --> 00:07:05,600 Speaker 4: Moses backed away from the tree and stood to his feet. 106 00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:07,880 Speaker 4: He opened up his arms and said. 107 00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:10,840 Speaker 5: Who am I to stand before the king of Egypt? 108 00:07:11,640 --> 00:07:13,000 Speaker 5: You must have the wrong man. 109 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:17,720 Speaker 4: Moses had grown up in Egypt and knew their power. Furthermore, 110 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:20,120 Speaker 4: he was also a member of the royal family that 111 00:07:20,160 --> 00:07:24,640 Speaker 4: oppressed God's people for generations. He did not feel worthy 112 00:07:24,680 --> 00:07:27,559 Speaker 4: of the task, nor did he want to leave his home. 113 00:07:29,280 --> 00:07:34,920 Speaker 4: Surrounded by light, God spoke, do not be afraid. 114 00:07:34,600 --> 00:07:39,680 Speaker 2: My child. Behold, I will be with you. 115 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:44,560 Speaker 5: Always if I do go. Whom shall I say sent me? 116 00:07:45,160 --> 00:07:50,480 Speaker 4: Moses asked in fear. The fire flickered and grew larger. 117 00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:54,720 Speaker 4: Its radiance was like the rising sun, and the voice 118 00:07:54,960 --> 00:07:56,480 Speaker 4: illuminated from the flames. 119 00:07:56,520 --> 00:08:00,960 Speaker 2: Boldly, I am that Ah, I. 120 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:02,520 Speaker 4: Am, he said, with power. 121 00:08:03,040 --> 00:08:10,560 Speaker 6: Say it is I am Yahweh, the God of your fathers, 122 00:08:11,360 --> 00:08:16,920 Speaker 6: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the 123 00:08:17,080 --> 00:08:24,320 Speaker 6: God of Jacob. This is my name forever, and I 124 00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:28,920 Speaker 6: will be remembered throughout all generations. 125 00:08:29,600 --> 00:08:33,920 Speaker 4: So Moses departed down the mountain. He looked at his 126 00:08:33,960 --> 00:08:38,240 Speaker 4: sheep trailing behind him. There were more sheep who needed 127 00:08:38,240 --> 00:08:42,400 Speaker 4: to be tender to. There were people captive and in 128 00:08:42,480 --> 00:08:47,480 Speaker 4: need of a shepherd. Moses left with purpose, power and 129 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:51,600 Speaker 4: love for his people. He empowered him to march down 130 00:08:51,640 --> 00:08:55,520 Speaker 4: that mountain and reclaim the people of God. He knew 131 00:08:55,520 --> 00:08:59,600 Speaker 4: he was not alone. The God of his ancestors walked 132 00:08:59,640 --> 00:09:03,800 Speaker 4: beside him. The Great I Am was prepared to go 133 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:15,800 Speaker 4: before him. Chapter twenty three. Go Therefore together again, Jesus 134 00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:19,559 Speaker 4: in the eleven Disciples reclined at a small table, enjoying 135 00:09:19,559 --> 00:09:24,800 Speaker 4: a meal. The room was small and humble. The wooden 136 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:28,280 Speaker 4: table was old and rickety, and the fireplace was worn 137 00:09:28,640 --> 00:09:32,760 Speaker 4: and weathered from years of use. Yet there was joy 138 00:09:32,880 --> 00:09:37,079 Speaker 4: in the room. The disciples laughter shook the four walls. 139 00:09:37,960 --> 00:09:43,680 Speaker 4: Jesus watched his disciples laugh, bicker, eat, and pray. Their 140 00:09:43,760 --> 00:09:48,920 Speaker 4: joy was complete in light of Christ's resurrection. Now there 141 00:09:48,960 --> 00:09:52,960 Speaker 4: was only one thing left for Jesus to do. He 142 00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:56,199 Speaker 4: would leave them again. But this time it would not 143 00:09:56,320 --> 00:10:00,520 Speaker 4: be as sorrowful or mysterious good bye. It would be 144 00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:05,680 Speaker 4: filled with hope and promise. Jesus had completed the work 145 00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:09,920 Speaker 4: necessary for them to thrive and scatter throughout the nations. 146 00:10:10,640 --> 00:10:13,000 Speaker 4: He took a sip from his cup and set it down. 147 00:10:14,040 --> 00:10:17,240 Speaker 4: Clearing his throat, he lifted his voice for him to hear. 148 00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:21,040 Speaker 7: You did not believe those who claimed I had risen 149 00:10:21,080 --> 00:10:22,240 Speaker 7: from the dead, did. 150 00:10:22,080 --> 00:10:27,079 Speaker 4: You, Jesus asked. The eleven men looked at Jesus, feeling 151 00:10:27,200 --> 00:10:31,600 Speaker 4: convicted that they had not known sooner. Jesus smiled and 152 00:10:31,640 --> 00:10:32,640 Speaker 4: shook his head. 153 00:10:32,800 --> 00:10:35,719 Speaker 7: Be mindful of this, my dear children. Soon you will 154 00:10:35,800 --> 00:10:39,320 Speaker 7: be proclaiming my resurrection, and people will not want to 155 00:10:39,360 --> 00:10:43,559 Speaker 7: believe you either. You have seen me and believed, yet 156 00:10:43,600 --> 00:10:46,720 Speaker 7: blessed to those who have not seen me and still believe. 157 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:50,280 Speaker 4: What are you going to do now, James asked Jesus. 158 00:10:50,679 --> 00:10:52,040 Speaker 3: We are eager to follow you. 159 00:10:52,480 --> 00:10:56,120 Speaker 4: Jesus looked around the room. The men were awaiting a 160 00:10:56,200 --> 00:11:00,640 Speaker 4: new mission. They were anticipating a revolution of some sorts 161 00:11:00,920 --> 00:11:05,160 Speaker 4: with Jesus at the front. However, Jesus was about to 162 00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:10,040 Speaker 4: shift their expectations yet again. Now we go into the world, 163 00:11:11,040 --> 00:11:13,000 Speaker 4: Jesus responded, You. 164 00:11:12,960 --> 00:11:16,640 Speaker 7: Will proclaim the gospel to my creation and reconcile their 165 00:11:16,679 --> 00:11:20,400 Speaker 7: hearts to God. You will be my ambassadors on the earth, 166 00:11:20,960 --> 00:11:25,040 Speaker 7: proclaiming the coming kingdom. People will believe in me and 167 00:11:25,120 --> 00:11:30,439 Speaker 7: be saved. However, many will reject me and be condemned. 168 00:11:31,840 --> 00:11:32,600 Speaker 2: Where do we begin? 169 00:11:33,120 --> 00:11:39,040 Speaker 4: Peter asked, eagerly with faith, Peter, Jesus said softly, there will. 170 00:11:38,920 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 7: Be many signs and wonders you will behold. Yet you 171 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:44,880 Speaker 7: must wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He 172 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:48,480 Speaker 7: will guide you into all truth. With him counseling you, 173 00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:51,240 Speaker 7: you will be able to cast out demons, speak in 174 00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:54,520 Speaker 7: new tongues, and be immune to the poisons of this world. 175 00:11:55,200 --> 00:11:57,360 Speaker 7: You will lay hands on the sick as I have, 176 00:11:57,679 --> 00:12:02,320 Speaker 7: and they will be healed. Yet it all begins with faith. 177 00:12:03,120 --> 00:12:07,400 Speaker 4: With these words, Jesus stood to his feet. He breathed 178 00:12:07,440 --> 00:12:09,960 Speaker 4: in deeply and embraced his disciples. 179 00:12:10,520 --> 00:12:13,160 Speaker 7: Meet me on the mountain above Galilee. 180 00:12:12,720 --> 00:12:17,760 Speaker 4: He whispered, then, as he had several times before, he 181 00:12:17,880 --> 00:12:22,400 Speaker 4: vanished into thin air. John smiled and ran out the 182 00:12:22,480 --> 00:12:26,520 Speaker 4: door towards the mountains. Being the youngest, he was filled 183 00:12:26,520 --> 00:12:30,719 Speaker 4: with youthful energy that was infectious. The other disciples did 184 00:12:30,760 --> 00:12:34,520 Speaker 4: not bring any packs or coats. They ran to the 185 00:12:34,559 --> 00:12:39,000 Speaker 4: mountains behind John. As they weaved through the town of Galilee, 186 00:12:39,200 --> 00:12:43,200 Speaker 4: many others began to follow. Jesus had revealed himself to 187 00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:46,800 Speaker 4: over five hundred people in the forty days since his resurrection, 188 00:12:47,400 --> 00:12:49,440 Speaker 4: and had called many to join him up on the 189 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:53,920 Speaker 4: mountain men, women, and children all left their homes and 190 00:12:53,960 --> 00:12:58,079 Speaker 4: workplaces to hike up to the place of meeting. It 191 00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:00,720 Speaker 4: was later in the day and the wind was whistling 192 00:13:00,760 --> 00:13:06,160 Speaker 4: through the canyons above Galilee. Soft green grass lay gently 193 00:13:06,200 --> 00:13:10,480 Speaker 4: on the mountain's edge. John was still running while others 194 00:13:10,559 --> 00:13:14,080 Speaker 4: jogged and walked behind him. The sun would be setting soon, 195 00:13:14,440 --> 00:13:17,320 Speaker 4: and John did not want to miss what would happen next. 196 00:13:18,679 --> 00:13:22,200 Speaker 4: Trailing close behind him was Peter. The two of them 197 00:13:22,240 --> 00:13:26,200 Speaker 4: scaled the rocks and took short cuts as if they 198 00:13:26,200 --> 00:13:29,160 Speaker 4: were raising the sun. The two of them ran swiftly 199 00:13:29,280 --> 00:13:33,280 Speaker 4: up the edge up onto the plateau. They stopped and 200 00:13:33,360 --> 00:13:37,160 Speaker 4: looked round in awe. The sun's rays were shooting out 201 00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:41,480 Speaker 4: in a hundred directions, bouncing off the towns and valleys below. 202 00:13:42,360 --> 00:13:45,480 Speaker 4: In front of them stood Jesus, looking out in the 203 00:13:45,520 --> 00:13:51,640 Speaker 4: direction of Jerusalem. The gentle wind bustled around him. His 204 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:55,440 Speaker 4: robe and hair flew back in the wind, and Jesus 205 00:13:55,480 --> 00:13:59,040 Speaker 4: lifted his eyes to Heaven, basking in the final hour 206 00:13:59,120 --> 00:14:03,120 Speaker 4: of sunlight. The others made their way up the mountain. 207 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:07,319 Speaker 4: There was a palpable feeling of anticipation in the air 208 00:14:07,960 --> 00:14:12,280 Speaker 4: as they all gathered before Jesus, the Son of God, 209 00:14:12,360 --> 00:14:15,880 Speaker 4: stood there on the mountain's edge. The radiance of the 210 00:14:15,920 --> 00:14:20,920 Speaker 4: sun was nothing in comparison to his glory. Small slivers 211 00:14:20,920 --> 00:14:25,280 Speaker 4: of light began to shine through his skin, like flickering flames. 212 00:14:26,280 --> 00:14:30,160 Speaker 4: Hundreds of them bowed before Jesus. They sang his name 213 00:14:30,400 --> 00:14:34,640 Speaker 4: and proclaimed his mighty works to the heavens. Hallelujah. They 214 00:14:34,720 --> 00:14:38,800 Speaker 4: sang Hallelujah to the Son of David. For the first 215 00:14:38,920 --> 00:14:42,920 Speaker 4: time in history, a group of people gathered to worship 216 00:14:43,000 --> 00:14:47,440 Speaker 4: the risen King. They sang his praises and spoke of 217 00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:52,120 Speaker 4: his glory and grace. Their songs of hope and salvation 218 00:14:52,440 --> 00:14:58,560 Speaker 4: would resonate for a thousand generations. People of all creeds, cultures, 219 00:14:58,600 --> 00:15:02,520 Speaker 4: and tongues would gather together for the sole purpose of 220 00:15:02,600 --> 00:15:07,440 Speaker 4: worshiping the risen Christ. His name would be on their lips, 221 00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:11,560 Speaker 4: and his mighty deeds would be proclaimed into the heavens. 222 00:15:12,560 --> 00:15:17,160 Speaker 4: Peter stepped forward from the crowd. My Lord Peter stopped. 223 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:22,760 Speaker 4: The ground near Jesus was beating with power. It was 224 00:15:22,840 --> 00:15:26,640 Speaker 4: as if the mountain had a beating heart. He looked 225 00:15:26,720 --> 00:15:30,680 Speaker 4: up to see Jesus. When Peter saw him, he covered 226 00:15:30,720 --> 00:15:34,600 Speaker 4: his face and fell to his knees. He now fully 227 00:15:34,800 --> 00:15:41,120 Speaker 4: understood he was in the presence of the most High God, Elohim, 228 00:15:41,440 --> 00:15:45,080 Speaker 4: the creator of the heavens and earth. He was speaking 229 00:15:45,120 --> 00:15:48,480 Speaker 4: to the Great Deliverer, the voice from the burning bush, 230 00:15:48,960 --> 00:15:53,240 Speaker 4: the Great I Am. Where he was standing was wholly ground. 231 00:15:54,640 --> 00:15:56,640 Speaker 4: He bowed before him and looked. 232 00:15:56,440 --> 00:16:00,800 Speaker 2: Up, Jesus, is it time for you to restore the 233 00:16:00,920 --> 00:16:04,880 Speaker 2: kingdom of Israel? Peter asked, is it time for you 234 00:16:04,960 --> 00:16:07,359 Speaker 2: to take the throne of David and claim your authority. 235 00:16:07,880 --> 00:16:11,960 Speaker 4: Jesus looked down at Peter and walked towards him. The 236 00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:16,160 Speaker 4: earth beneath him rippled with each step. The air around 237 00:16:16,200 --> 00:16:21,480 Speaker 4: him was warm and inviting. From his voice resonated the 238 00:16:21,640 --> 00:16:27,880 Speaker 4: very power of God authority. Jesus asked, all authority. 239 00:16:27,440 --> 00:16:30,520 Speaker 7: I have, Peter, I give to you. You will receive 240 00:16:30,720 --> 00:16:33,440 Speaker 7: power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and 241 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:36,160 Speaker 7: you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all 242 00:16:36,240 --> 00:16:39,400 Speaker 7: Judaea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 243 00:16:39,560 --> 00:16:42,440 Speaker 4: Jesus looked to the crowd and raised his arms. 244 00:16:42,760 --> 00:16:45,960 Speaker 7: All authority in heaven and unearth his mind. I hold 245 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:48,760 Speaker 7: the very power of the universe in my hands, the 246 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:51,280 Speaker 7: power to transform and save. 247 00:16:52,880 --> 00:16:56,400 Speaker 4: Jesus's voice grew louder, and the clouds around him began 248 00:16:56,480 --> 00:17:00,520 Speaker 4: to illuminate with light. The crowd looked behind them Jesus 249 00:17:00,640 --> 00:17:03,600 Speaker 4: to see the sun holding its place on the horizon. 250 00:17:04,640 --> 00:17:07,480 Speaker 4: It became impossible to tell where the light was coming 251 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:13,520 Speaker 4: from the sunset, the clouds, or Jesus himself. Like a 252 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:18,560 Speaker 4: thousand raging waters, Jesus's voice poured forth to his followers, 253 00:17:18,960 --> 00:17:20,320 Speaker 4: Go therefore. 254 00:17:19,920 --> 00:17:23,560 Speaker 7: And make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the 255 00:17:23,640 --> 00:17:27,080 Speaker 7: name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 256 00:17:27,640 --> 00:17:32,520 Speaker 4: Matthew gazed upon Jesus. He noticed that Jesus's feet were 257 00:17:32,600 --> 00:17:38,800 Speaker 4: rising above the ground. He's leaving, Matthew realized. Matthew ran 258 00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:42,439 Speaker 4: to Jesus and fell at his feet. Beside Peter. The 259 00:17:42,520 --> 00:17:45,879 Speaker 4: eleven disciples fell to their knees and watched as the 260 00:17:45,920 --> 00:17:47,520 Speaker 4: Son of God rose above them. 261 00:17:48,000 --> 00:17:51,119 Speaker 7: Teach others to observe what I have taught you, Jesus said, 262 00:17:51,359 --> 00:17:56,600 Speaker 7: to love, to obey, to sacrifice, and to serve Master. No. 263 00:17:57,320 --> 00:18:02,919 Speaker 4: Matthew shouted. Tears dreamed down his face. He was frightened. 264 00:18:03,359 --> 00:18:05,480 Speaker 4: He did not want to be away from the presence 265 00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:11,160 Speaker 4: of Jesus in him. He had found hope, power, and acceptance. 266 00:18:11,920 --> 00:18:14,679 Speaker 4: All of the disciples raised their eyes in awe of 267 00:18:14,720 --> 00:18:18,840 Speaker 4: the risen God. The heavens cracked open, and the light 268 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:22,000 Speaker 4: of the Lord burst forth like a stream of living water. 269 00:18:23,320 --> 00:18:28,600 Speaker 4: It fell from the skies and enveloped Jesus. Surrounded by light, 270 00:18:29,240 --> 00:18:30,639 Speaker 4: Jesus smiled, do. 271 00:18:30,760 --> 00:18:34,800 Speaker 7: Not be afraid, my children. Behold, I will be with 272 00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:37,679 Speaker 7: you always, even to the end of time. 273 00:18:38,680 --> 00:18:42,080 Speaker 4: As he said this, the light enveloped him, and he 274 00:18:42,119 --> 00:18:47,000 Speaker 4: disappeared into the skies like a vapor. The sun's rays 275 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:51,240 Speaker 4: retreated back into the horizon, and the clouds disappeared into 276 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:57,359 Speaker 4: the skies. Jesus of Nazareth, son of God, the Great 277 00:18:57,480 --> 00:19:00,840 Speaker 4: i Am, had gone to be with his Father in 278 00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:05,360 Speaker 4: the heavens. There he would prepare a place for them. 279 00:19:05,680 --> 00:19:08,600 Speaker 4: He would map out the course of eternity with them 280 00:19:08,640 --> 00:19:12,879 Speaker 4: in mind. The King of Kings would be the architect 281 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:17,920 Speaker 4: of his kingdom on earth and in heaven. The disciples 282 00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:20,919 Speaker 4: awed up in the skies as the orange hues of 283 00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:26,640 Speaker 4: sunset turned darker. Two voices interrupted their gaze, saying. 284 00:19:27,280 --> 00:19:30,919 Speaker 8: Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking to heaven? 285 00:19:32,040 --> 00:19:33,600 Speaker 8: You have a calling to fulfill. 286 00:19:33,960 --> 00:19:36,720 Speaker 4: The disciples looked at the place where Jesus once stood. 287 00:19:37,520 --> 00:19:40,760 Speaker 4: In his place were two men clothed in white robes. 288 00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:43,920 Speaker 4: They smiled and stretched out their arms. 289 00:19:44,920 --> 00:19:48,520 Speaker 8: Jesus has been taken up into his dwelling place. He 290 00:19:48,600 --> 00:19:52,560 Speaker 8: will come back in the same manner. Be watchful, they said. 291 00:19:53,520 --> 00:19:57,880 Speaker 8: Peter nodded in agreement. He looked at the other ten disciples. 292 00:19:58,920 --> 00:20:02,760 Speaker 8: He looked at James and John. He nodded to Andrew, 293 00:20:02,880 --> 00:20:07,480 Speaker 8: his brother, and Philip. He placed his hand on Bartholomew 294 00:20:07,720 --> 00:20:12,320 Speaker 8: and gathered Matthew, Thomas, and James, the son of Alphaeus. 295 00:20:13,359 --> 00:20:17,960 Speaker 8: Thaddeus and Simon came in close as well. Peter felt 296 00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:22,560 Speaker 8: a deep fire within his belly. Jesus had gone, but 297 00:20:22,720 --> 00:20:26,840 Speaker 8: he was still present. His spirit dwelled within. 298 00:20:26,680 --> 00:20:32,960 Speaker 4: Him, ready to guide, convict, and empower him. Peter and 299 00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:37,080 Speaker 4: the ten Disciples looked to Jerusalem in the distance. The 300 00:20:37,119 --> 00:20:42,560 Speaker 4: wind howled as the final hints of light disappeared. Peter 301 00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:46,320 Speaker 4: closed his eyes, remembering the words Jesus spoke. 302 00:20:46,119 --> 00:20:49,040 Speaker 1: To him by the fire, tend to my sheep. 303 00:20:49,760 --> 00:20:53,640 Speaker 4: Peter opened his eyes and marched down the mountain. There 304 00:20:53,640 --> 00:20:56,520 Speaker 4: were sheep who needed to be tended to. There were 305 00:20:56,560 --> 00:21:00,240 Speaker 4: people lost in need of a Shepherd. The Disciple was 306 00:21:00,320 --> 00:21:04,760 Speaker 4: left with purpose, power and love for God's people. He 307 00:21:04,920 --> 00:21:08,639 Speaker 4: empowered them to march down that mountain and reclaim the 308 00:21:08,680 --> 00:21:13,280 Speaker 4: people of God. They knew they were not alone. The 309 00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:17,360 Speaker 4: God of their ancestors walked beside them. The Great i 310 00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:21,320 Speaker 4: Am was with them. All the nations would soon hear 311 00:21:21,359 --> 00:21:25,680 Speaker 4: the story of the good Shepherd, the hero of scripture, 312 00:21:26,760 --> 00:21:30,040 Speaker 4: the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 313 00:21:35,359 --> 00:21:38,440 Speaker 3: There we have it, a beautiful end to a beautiful story, 314 00:21:38,720 --> 00:21:41,600 Speaker 3: the final page in a brilliant book. But it doesn't 315 00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:44,400 Speaker 3: feel like the end, does it. That's because it isn't. 316 00:21:44,880 --> 00:21:47,760 Speaker 3: The departure of Jesus isn't the end of anything, but 317 00:21:47,880 --> 00:21:52,199 Speaker 3: the beginning of everything. Jesus's ascension into heaven hearkens to 318 00:21:52,280 --> 00:21:55,320 Speaker 3: the dawn of a new era. The Son of God left, 319 00:21:55,600 --> 00:21:57,760 Speaker 3: making room for the Spirit of God to dwell and 320 00:21:57,800 --> 00:22:02,280 Speaker 3: work among his followers. Episode wasn't somber like the crucifixion 321 00:22:02,320 --> 00:22:05,760 Speaker 3: because Jesus's departure wasn't a death, but a sign of 322 00:22:05,840 --> 00:22:08,640 Speaker 3: new life. He left to prepare a place for us, 323 00:22:08,720 --> 00:22:11,280 Speaker 3: and we have his spirit dwelling in and among us 324 00:22:11,400 --> 00:22:14,920 Speaker 3: for the mission ahead. God never gives his commission without 325 00:22:14,960 --> 00:22:18,600 Speaker 3: first giving us his comfort. Jesus tended to his disciples 326 00:22:18,680 --> 00:22:22,240 Speaker 3: hearts before giving them the ultimate mission. He reminded them 327 00:22:22,240 --> 00:22:25,320 Speaker 3: of his love, power and presence before calling them to 328 00:22:25,359 --> 00:22:28,359 Speaker 3: go and make disciples. You and I can take heart 329 00:22:28,440 --> 00:22:31,479 Speaker 3: that God wants to supply us with all the strength 330 00:22:31,560 --> 00:22:35,320 Speaker 3: necessary to perform his purposes. He won't leave us alone 331 00:22:35,440 --> 00:22:38,639 Speaker 3: and confuse. That is why we need a spirit. The 332 00:22:38,720 --> 00:22:41,879 Speaker 3: Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, directs our course, 333 00:22:41,960 --> 00:22:44,919 Speaker 3: convicts us of sin, and challenges us to live up 334 00:22:44,960 --> 00:22:48,240 Speaker 3: to our calling. Jesus said in John sixteen, I tell 335 00:22:48,240 --> 00:22:50,840 Speaker 3: you the truth. It is to your advantage that I 336 00:22:50,880 --> 00:22:53,399 Speaker 3: go away. For if I do not go away, the 337 00:22:53,440 --> 00:22:55,920 Speaker 3: Spirit will not come to you. But if I go, 338 00:22:56,040 --> 00:22:58,600 Speaker 3: I will send him to you. Jesus said it was 339 00:22:58,680 --> 00:23:01,000 Speaker 3: better that he departs so that he might have the 340 00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:04,680 Speaker 3: Holy Spirit in his place. After Jesus comforted and spent 341 00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:07,520 Speaker 3: time with his disciples, he said, meet me on the 342 00:23:07,560 --> 00:23:10,879 Speaker 3: mountain above Galilee. We have talked about a few different 343 00:23:10,880 --> 00:23:14,320 Speaker 3: images that are commonly used in scripture. Mountains are common 344 00:23:14,359 --> 00:23:18,120 Speaker 3: motifs used by God. The ancient Hebrews believe that Eden 345 00:23:18,200 --> 00:23:20,480 Speaker 3: was set on a high place where heaven and earth 346 00:23:20,520 --> 00:23:24,679 Speaker 3: converged in beautiful harmony. That is why many major events 347 00:23:24,680 --> 00:23:28,159 Speaker 3: in the Bible took place on mountains. Noah's ark settled 348 00:23:28,200 --> 00:23:31,119 Speaker 3: on a mountain after the flood. Abraham marched up a 349 00:23:31,160 --> 00:23:34,840 Speaker 3: mountain to sacrifice Isaac. In our prelude, Moses met the 350 00:23:34,880 --> 00:23:38,760 Speaker 3: Burning Bush tucked between two canyons and a mountain. Moses 351 00:23:38,800 --> 00:23:42,800 Speaker 3: received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. David captured the 352 00:23:42,880 --> 00:23:45,800 Speaker 3: area known as Mount Zion where the temple was built. 353 00:23:46,160 --> 00:23:50,320 Speaker 3: Elijah called fire down from Heaven on Mount Carmo. Jesus's 354 00:23:50,320 --> 00:23:52,800 Speaker 3: greatest sermon on the Kingdom of God was given on 355 00:23:52,840 --> 00:23:56,119 Speaker 3: a mountain. Jesus was transfigured on a mountain and his 356 00:23:56,200 --> 00:23:59,840 Speaker 3: glory was shown to Peter, James and John. Jesus was 357 00:24:00,119 --> 00:24:03,200 Speaker 3: rested to die on the mount of Olives. Jesus marched 358 00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:05,359 Speaker 3: up a hill of Gogotha to die for the sins 359 00:24:05,400 --> 00:24:09,399 Speaker 3: of humanity, and finally, on the mountain range of Galilee, 360 00:24:09,560 --> 00:24:13,159 Speaker 3: Jesus ascended into Heaven. The Bible is our mountain, a 361 00:24:13,240 --> 00:24:16,040 Speaker 3: high place for us to meet God and hear from 362 00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:19,560 Speaker 3: the heart of Heaven. Five hundred people witnessed the risen Lord, 363 00:24:19,680 --> 00:24:21,960 Speaker 3: and many of them met with the disciples on the 364 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:25,560 Speaker 3: mountain to see Jesus depart on the high place where 365 00:24:25,560 --> 00:24:29,040 Speaker 3: heaven and Earth converged, the first church service took place. 366 00:24:29,680 --> 00:24:32,159 Speaker 3: They sang his name and proclaimed his mighty works to 367 00:24:32,200 --> 00:24:36,359 Speaker 3: the heavens. Hallelujah. They sang Hallelujah to the Son of David. 368 00:24:36,760 --> 00:24:38,879 Speaker 3: For the first time in history, a group of people 369 00:24:38,920 --> 00:24:42,040 Speaker 3: gathered to worship the risen King. They sang his praises 370 00:24:42,040 --> 00:24:44,840 Speaker 3: and spoke of his glory and grace. Their songs of 371 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:49,040 Speaker 3: hope and salvation would resonate for a thousand generations. People 372 00:24:49,080 --> 00:24:52,439 Speaker 3: of all creeds, cultures, and tongues would gather together for 373 00:24:52,520 --> 00:24:55,720 Speaker 3: the sole purpose of worshiping the risen Christ. His name 374 00:24:55,720 --> 00:24:57,800 Speaker 3: would be on their lips, and his mighty deeds would 375 00:24:57,840 --> 00:25:00,199 Speaker 3: be proclaimed into the heavens. Every time you, you and 376 00:25:00,240 --> 00:25:02,400 Speaker 3: I meet at church or in our homes to worship, 377 00:25:02,720 --> 00:25:05,360 Speaker 3: we are attempting to capture a moment like this where 378 00:25:05,359 --> 00:25:07,840 Speaker 3: our songs to God unite us and our love for 379 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:11,600 Speaker 3: Jesus empowers us. When the singing was finished, the mountains 380 00:25:11,640 --> 00:25:14,800 Speaker 3: began to tremble. We were taken back to the prelude, 381 00:25:14,840 --> 00:25:19,120 Speaker 3: when the presence of God was tangible and spectacular. Jesus 382 00:25:19,119 --> 00:25:23,000 Speaker 3: began his ascension, giving his disciples one final charge. Go 383 00:25:23,080 --> 00:25:26,760 Speaker 3: therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in 384 00:25:26,800 --> 00:25:29,760 Speaker 3: the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 385 00:25:29,960 --> 00:25:32,280 Speaker 3: This calling is carried out by you and me every day, 386 00:25:32,480 --> 00:25:37,080 Speaker 3: with every act of compassion, moment of love, and intentional conversation. 387 00:25:37,520 --> 00:25:40,480 Speaker 3: We do not embark on this mission alone. We have 388 00:25:40,640 --> 00:25:43,399 Speaker 3: the comforting presence of Jesus in our hearts, and we 389 00:25:43,440 --> 00:25:47,160 Speaker 3: have the community of God in our lives. Hallelujah. Thank 390 00:25:47,200 --> 00:25:49,840 Speaker 3: you for joining me on this journey through the life 391 00:25:49,840 --> 00:25:52,639 Speaker 3: and ministry of Jesus. I know in my heart that 392 00:25:52,760 --> 00:25:56,160 Speaker 3: nobody can interact with the story of Jesus and leave 393 00:25:56,240 --> 00:25:59,439 Speaker 3: unchanged in some way. I pray these stories of God's 394 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:03,320 Speaker 3: goodness and glory have encouraged your hearts and enriched your souls. 395 00:26:03,760 --> 00:26:06,360 Speaker 3: I pray and hope you learn more about God's love 396 00:26:06,640 --> 00:26:09,399 Speaker 3: and his plan for the nations. I also pray you 397 00:26:09,520 --> 00:26:12,920 Speaker 3: take on the character of Jesus, moving forward every day 398 00:26:12,960 --> 00:26:15,520 Speaker 3: to make an impact like he did. May the God 399 00:26:15,600 --> 00:26:19,080 Speaker 3: of all creation bless you, keep you and empower you 400 00:26:19,200 --> 00:26:22,080 Speaker 3: for the journey ahead. May his grace give you strength, 401 00:26:22,320 --> 00:26:25,680 Speaker 3: and may his truth, convict your heart. Amen. Thank you 402 00:26:25,760 --> 00:26:29,359 Speaker 3: again for joining me on this incredible series about Jesus. 403 00:26:29,720 --> 00:26:33,399 Speaker 3: For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last 404 00:26:33,400 --> 00:26:36,480 Speaker 3: a lifetime, go to pray dot com. And to expand 405 00:26:36,520 --> 00:26:39,720 Speaker 3: your heroes in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of 406 00:26:39,760 --> 00:26:43,920 Speaker 3: the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward slash Heroes. 407 00:26:44,359 --> 00:26:47,320 Speaker 3: Share this podcast with a family member or friend so 408 00:26:47,359 --> 00:26:50,199 Speaker 3: they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way. You 409 00:26:50,320 --> 00:26:52,520 Speaker 3: never know how great of an impact the Bible and 410 00:26:52,600 --> 00:26:55,879 Speaker 3: this podcast can have on someone's life. God bless