1 00:00:00,560 --> 00:00:04,080 Speaker 1: Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, 2 00:00:05,080 --> 00:00:09,840 Speaker 1: and lo I am with you always, even unto the 3 00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:10,639 Speaker 1: end of the world. 4 00:00:11,480 --> 00:00:11,880 Speaker 2: Amen. 5 00:00:13,119 --> 00:00:19,960 Speaker 1: Matthew twenty eight twenty. Dear Jesus, when you left the Disciples, 6 00:00:20,640 --> 00:00:23,880 Speaker 1: you promised one of the greatest comforters that will ever be, 7 00:00:25,000 --> 00:00:29,000 Speaker 1: and that is your Holy Spirit. In the same way 8 00:00:29,080 --> 00:00:33,519 Speaker 1: the Disciples waited in expectation for your Holy Spirit, I 9 00:00:33,680 --> 00:00:38,080 Speaker 1: too will wait in expectation each and every morning for 10 00:00:38,200 --> 00:00:44,400 Speaker 1: your Spirit to rest on my mind and heart. With 11 00:00:44,520 --> 00:00:48,720 Speaker 1: the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, I know that whatever 12 00:00:48,840 --> 00:00:53,520 Speaker 1: I put my hands to will go from natural to supernatural. 13 00:00:55,160 --> 00:00:59,280 Speaker 1: No matter what I do, I will not move until 14 00:00:59,320 --> 00:01:04,160 Speaker 1: I feel you your supernatural hand upon me. I will 15 00:01:04,200 --> 00:01:08,640 Speaker 1: not speak unless my words are empowered by your Holy Spirit. 16 00:01:10,520 --> 00:01:13,920 Speaker 1: Thank you, Jesus, that you haven't left me by myself. 17 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:18,520 Speaker 1: Thank you that even when you ascended to Heaven, you 18 00:01:18,680 --> 00:01:22,080 Speaker 1: cared enough about our lives to give us the one 19 00:01:22,160 --> 00:01:28,120 Speaker 1: who puts power behind your word, the Holy Spirit. As 20 00:01:28,160 --> 00:01:33,000 Speaker 1: I grow in my faith, Holy Spirit, teach me and 21 00:01:33,160 --> 00:01:37,720 Speaker 1: lead me into all truth in Jesus' name. 22 00:01:39,319 --> 00:01:39,679 Speaker 2: Amen. 23 00:01:40,480 --> 00:01:44,440 Speaker 1: Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told. 24 00:01:44,800 --> 00:01:48,240 Speaker 1: From pray dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible. 25 00:01:50,240 --> 00:01:52,800 Speaker 3: Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans joh hoosess for Heroes in 26 00:01:52,840 --> 00:01:56,040 Speaker 3: the Bible Jesus. If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, 27 00:01:56,160 --> 00:01:58,200 Speaker 3: please share it with your family and friends so that 28 00:01:58,280 --> 00:02:01,559 Speaker 3: they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way, because 29 00:02:01,560 --> 00:02:05,160 Speaker 3: knowing Jesus is the key to understanding the Bible. Welcome 30 00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:07,880 Speaker 3: to the greatest story ever told. It is the story 31 00:02:07,880 --> 00:02:10,560 Speaker 3: of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love 32 00:02:10,600 --> 00:02:14,280 Speaker 3: for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness. 33 00:02:14,919 --> 00:02:17,280 Speaker 3: This is a story that continues to shape and mold 34 00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:20,359 Speaker 3: the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God 35 00:02:20,440 --> 00:02:23,200 Speaker 3: right into the hearts of you and me. This is 36 00:02:23,200 --> 00:02:27,080 Speaker 3: our final episode together. Throughout this episode, we get the 37 00:02:27,120 --> 00:02:30,640 Speaker 3: sense that although Jesus is leaving, things are going to 38 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:34,400 Speaker 3: change for the better. His departure is a sign of hope, 39 00:02:34,480 --> 00:02:38,200 Speaker 3: not sorrow, and the Disciples are left with a grand 40 00:02:38,240 --> 00:02:42,200 Speaker 3: and beautiful mission. The commission Jesus leaves the Disciples is 41 00:02:42,240 --> 00:02:46,200 Speaker 3: also for us as our final story unfolds. Put yourself 42 00:02:46,240 --> 00:02:50,240 Speaker 3: in the disciples shoes. Take Jesus's words as an invitation 43 00:02:50,440 --> 00:02:53,760 Speaker 3: to a grand adventure. I have enjoyed going through the 44 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:56,880 Speaker 3: series with you. I pray that the life and ministry 45 00:02:56,919 --> 00:03:00,040 Speaker 3: of Jesus impacted you in some way. I find it 46 00:03:00,120 --> 00:03:03,400 Speaker 3: impossible to interact with the story of Jesus and leave unchanged. 47 00:03:04,080 --> 00:03:06,840 Speaker 3: My encouragement for you as we embark when our last 48 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:11,480 Speaker 3: episode is to have hope. Have hope that the compassion, kindness, 49 00:03:11,480 --> 00:03:14,240 Speaker 3: and miracles of Jesus can live on through you and me. 50 00:03:14,639 --> 00:03:18,359 Speaker 3: There is no cultural way, political power, or toxic ideology 51 00:03:18,600 --> 00:03:21,639 Speaker 3: that can thwart the work of God. Take heart today 52 00:03:21,680 --> 00:03:25,559 Speaker 3: and follow the example of the disciples. Great and miraculous 53 00:03:25,600 --> 00:03:28,520 Speaker 3: things await those who put their faith and hope in Jesus. 54 00:03:29,040 --> 00:03:32,119 Speaker 3: This episode begins, like all the others, with the prelude 55 00:03:32,400 --> 00:03:34,960 Speaker 3: we will visit Moses as he speaks to God through 56 00:03:34,960 --> 00:03:38,000 Speaker 3: the burning Bush. The call of Moses was grand and 57 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:40,960 Speaker 3: terrifying at the same time. He was called deliberate an 58 00:03:41,120 --> 00:03:44,160 Speaker 3: entire nation from the bonds of a tyrant. He, like 59 00:03:44,240 --> 00:03:47,960 Speaker 3: many of us, felt unqualified and afraid. But God doesn't 60 00:03:47,960 --> 00:03:52,200 Speaker 3: call the qualified, He qualifies the call. Let's finish well together. 61 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:54,760 Speaker 3: After the end of this episode, I will give you 62 00:03:54,840 --> 00:03:58,160 Speaker 3: some parting thoughts and prayers. Here is episode twenty three. 63 00:03:58,800 --> 00:04:00,080 Speaker 3: Go therefore. 64 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:10,360 Speaker 4: Prelude to chapter twenty three. It was midday and the 65 00:04:10,400 --> 00:04:13,800 Speaker 4: wind was whistling through the canyons above the camp of Jatharl. 66 00:04:15,120 --> 00:04:18,680 Speaker 4: Soft green grass lay gently on the mountain's edge, and 67 00:04:18,760 --> 00:04:23,359 Speaker 4: Moses's sheep were grazing in peace. Moses laid in the 68 00:04:23,400 --> 00:04:27,240 Speaker 4: field next to his sheep, enjoying the mild sun shining 69 00:04:27,279 --> 00:04:31,960 Speaker 4: through cracks in the canyons. Then Moses saw a light 70 00:04:32,360 --> 00:04:36,000 Speaker 4: flickering in the distance. He perked his head up and 71 00:04:36,080 --> 00:04:40,880 Speaker 4: approached the light with trepidation. Around the corner, he found 72 00:04:40,880 --> 00:04:45,440 Speaker 4: a blazing fire engulfing a tree. The fire raged and 73 00:04:45,520 --> 00:04:48,560 Speaker 4: swayed to the wind above, Yet the tree was not 74 00:04:48,720 --> 00:04:50,520 Speaker 4: consumed or burned. 75 00:04:51,680 --> 00:04:58,600 Speaker 5: Moses. The tree, whispered Moses. Moses stepped forward. Here I 76 00:04:58,640 --> 00:05:02,720 Speaker 5: am Moses stopped. The ground near the tree was beating 77 00:05:02,800 --> 00:05:06,359 Speaker 5: with power. It was as if the mountain had a 78 00:05:06,400 --> 00:05:11,120 Speaker 5: beating heart. He looked up to see the tree standing 79 00:05:11,120 --> 00:05:15,880 Speaker 5: with power, the Majesty. The flames whistled around the tree 80 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:16,599 Speaker 5: like doves. 81 00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:19,880 Speaker 6: Why is it the tree burning, Moses. 82 00:05:19,480 --> 00:05:23,880 Speaker 4: Whispered to himself. He took another step, but the tree 83 00:05:23,960 --> 00:05:30,200 Speaker 4: spoke again. Saying, do not come any closer. Take off 84 00:05:30,320 --> 00:05:33,960 Speaker 4: your sandals, for the ground on which you stand is 85 00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:39,040 Speaker 4: holy ground. Moses did as he was commanded, Now standing 86 00:05:39,040 --> 00:05:40,640 Speaker 4: in amazement before the flame. 87 00:05:41,760 --> 00:05:44,560 Speaker 6: Who are you, Moses asked. 88 00:05:44,600 --> 00:05:49,720 Speaker 2: I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, 89 00:05:50,040 --> 00:05:54,040 Speaker 2: the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 90 00:05:54,880 --> 00:05:58,080 Speaker 4: When Moses heard this, he covered his face and fell 91 00:05:58,120 --> 00:06:02,520 Speaker 4: to his knees. He now fully understood he was in 92 00:06:02,520 --> 00:06:07,799 Speaker 4: the presence of the most High God, Elohim, the creator 93 00:06:08,040 --> 00:06:12,040 Speaker 4: of the heavens and earth. The fire pulsated to the 94 00:06:12,120 --> 00:06:13,480 Speaker 4: rhythm of his voice. 95 00:06:13,760 --> 00:06:18,159 Speaker 2: I have seen the oppression of my people. They are 96 00:06:18,200 --> 00:06:22,680 Speaker 2: in bondage under the hard fist of Egypt. I have 97 00:06:22,880 --> 00:06:27,960 Speaker 2: heard their cries. I have come to redeem them from 98 00:06:28,160 --> 00:06:33,680 Speaker 2: darkness and to lead them out of slavery. I will 99 00:06:33,720 --> 00:06:37,680 Speaker 2: bring them to a new land, a land flowing with 100 00:06:37,920 --> 00:06:39,240 Speaker 2: milk and honey. 101 00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:43,560 Speaker 4: Moses knelt in awe. Beside him was the Living God. 102 00:06:44,640 --> 00:06:48,080 Speaker 4: His voice was like the sound of a thousand rushing waters. 103 00:06:48,839 --> 00:06:51,280 Speaker 4: He spoke to the heart of Moses and. 104 00:06:51,240 --> 00:06:57,400 Speaker 2: Said, go therefore too, Pharaoh, for I am sending you 105 00:06:57,920 --> 00:07:01,080 Speaker 2: to lead my people out of Egypt. 106 00:07:02,080 --> 00:07:05,600 Speaker 4: Moses backed away from the tree and stood to his feet. 107 00:07:05,920 --> 00:07:07,800 Speaker 4: He opened up his arms and said. 108 00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:10,800 Speaker 6: Who am I to stand before the king of Egypt? 109 00:07:11,600 --> 00:07:12,960 Speaker 6: You must have the wrong man. 110 00:07:13,560 --> 00:07:17,720 Speaker 4: Moses had grown up in Egypt and knew their power. Furthermore, 111 00:07:17,920 --> 00:07:20,120 Speaker 4: he was also a member of the royal family that 112 00:07:20,160 --> 00:07:24,640 Speaker 4: oppressed God's people for generations. He did not feel worthy 113 00:07:24,680 --> 00:07:27,520 Speaker 4: of the task, nor did he want to leave his home. 114 00:07:29,240 --> 00:07:37,560 Speaker 4: Surrounded by light, God spoke, do not be afraid, my child. Behold, 115 00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:41,440 Speaker 4: I will be with you always. 116 00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:44,520 Speaker 6: If I do go. Whom shall I say sent me? 117 00:07:45,160 --> 00:07:50,440 Speaker 4: Moses asked in fear. The fire flickered and grew larger. 118 00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:54,680 Speaker 4: Its radiance was like the rising sun, and the voice 119 00:07:54,920 --> 00:07:56,480 Speaker 4: illuminated from the flames. 120 00:07:56,480 --> 00:08:00,960 Speaker 2: Boldly, I am that Ah, I. 121 00:08:00,560 --> 00:08:02,480 Speaker 4: Am, he said, with power. 122 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:10,520 Speaker 2: Say it is I am Yahweh, the God of your fathers, 123 00:08:11,320 --> 00:08:16,880 Speaker 2: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the 124 00:08:17,040 --> 00:08:24,280 Speaker 2: God of Jacob. This is my name forever, and I 125 00:08:24,360 --> 00:08:28,920 Speaker 2: will be remembered throughout all generations. 126 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:33,880 Speaker 4: So Moses departed down the mountain. He looked at his 127 00:08:33,960 --> 00:08:38,199 Speaker 4: sheep trailing behind him. There were more sheep who needed 128 00:08:38,240 --> 00:08:42,360 Speaker 4: to be tender to. There were people captive and in 129 00:08:42,440 --> 00:08:47,480 Speaker 4: need of a shepherd. Moses left with purpose, power and 130 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:51,600 Speaker 4: love for his people. He empowered him to march down 131 00:08:51,640 --> 00:08:55,480 Speaker 4: that mountain and reclaim the people of God. He knew 132 00:08:55,520 --> 00:08:59,600 Speaker 4: he was not alone. The God of his ancestors walked 133 00:08:59,600 --> 00:09:03,800 Speaker 4: beside him. The Great I Am was prepared to go 134 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:15,800 Speaker 4: before him. Chapter twenty three. Go Therefore together again, Jesus 135 00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:19,520 Speaker 4: in the eleven Disciples reclined at a small table, enjoying 136 00:09:19,559 --> 00:09:24,800 Speaker 4: a meal. The room was small and humble. The wooden 137 00:09:24,840 --> 00:09:28,280 Speaker 4: table was old and rickety, and the fireplace was worn 138 00:09:28,640 --> 00:09:32,760 Speaker 4: and weathered from years of use. Yet there was joy 139 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:37,080 Speaker 4: in the room. The disciples laughter shook the four walls. 140 00:09:37,960 --> 00:09:43,640 Speaker 4: Jesus watched his disciples laugh, bicker, eat, and pray. Their 141 00:09:43,760 --> 00:09:48,880 Speaker 4: joy was complete in light of Christ's resurrection. Now there 142 00:09:48,920 --> 00:09:52,920 Speaker 4: was only one thing left for Jesus to do. He 143 00:09:52,960 --> 00:09:56,200 Speaker 4: would leave them again. But this time it would not 144 00:09:56,280 --> 00:10:00,520 Speaker 4: be as sorrowful or mysterious good bye. It would be 145 00:10:00,559 --> 00:10:05,640 Speaker 4: filled with hope and promise. Jesus had completed the work 146 00:10:05,760 --> 00:10:09,920 Speaker 4: necessary for them to thrive and scatter throughout the nations. 147 00:10:10,600 --> 00:10:12,960 Speaker 4: He took a sip from his cup and set it down. 148 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:17,200 Speaker 4: Clearing his throat, he lifted his voice for them to hear. 149 00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:21,000 Speaker 7: You did not believe those who claimed I had risen 150 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:22,199 Speaker 7: from the dead, did. 151 00:10:22,040 --> 00:10:27,040 Speaker 4: You, Jesus asked. The eleven men looked at Jesus, feeling 152 00:10:27,160 --> 00:10:31,560 Speaker 4: convicted that they had not known sooner. Jesus smiled and 153 00:10:31,640 --> 00:10:32,600 Speaker 4: shook his head. 154 00:10:32,760 --> 00:10:35,719 Speaker 7: Be mindful of this, my dear children. Soon you will 155 00:10:35,760 --> 00:10:39,280 Speaker 7: be proclaiming my resurrection, and people will not want to 156 00:10:39,320 --> 00:10:43,560 Speaker 7: believe you either. You have seen me and believed, yet 157 00:10:43,559 --> 00:10:46,720 Speaker 7: blessed to those who have not seen me and still believe. 158 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:50,240 Speaker 4: What are you going to do now, James asked Jesus. 159 00:10:50,679 --> 00:10:52,040 Speaker 3: We are eager to follow you. 160 00:10:52,440 --> 00:10:56,120 Speaker 4: Jesus looked around the room. The men were awaiting a 161 00:10:56,160 --> 00:11:00,960 Speaker 4: new mission. They were anticipating a revolution of sorts with 162 00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:05,520 Speaker 4: Jesus at the front. However, Jesus was about to shift 163 00:11:05,559 --> 00:11:10,000 Speaker 4: their expectations yet again. Now we go into the world, 164 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:13,040 Speaker 4: Jesus responded, You. 165 00:11:12,960 --> 00:11:16,600 Speaker 7: Will proclaim the Gospel to my creation and reconcile their 166 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:20,400 Speaker 7: hearts to God. You will be my ambassadors on the earth, 167 00:11:20,920 --> 00:11:25,000 Speaker 7: proclaiming the coming kingdom. People will believe in me and 168 00:11:25,120 --> 00:11:30,400 Speaker 7: be saved. However, many will reject me and be condemned. 169 00:11:31,840 --> 00:11:36,240 Speaker 4: Where do we begin, Peter asked, eagerly with faith, Peter, 170 00:11:36,640 --> 00:11:39,000 Speaker 4: Jesus said softly, there will. 171 00:11:38,880 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 7: Be many signs and wonders you will behold. Yet you 172 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:44,880 Speaker 7: must wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He 173 00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:48,480 Speaker 7: will guide you into all truth. With him counseling you, 174 00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:51,199 Speaker 7: you will be able to cast out demons, speak in 175 00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:54,480 Speaker 7: new tongues, and be immune to the poisons of this world. 176 00:11:55,160 --> 00:11:57,360 Speaker 7: You will lay hands on the sick as I have, 177 00:11:57,679 --> 00:12:02,280 Speaker 7: and they will be healed. Yet it all begins with faith. 178 00:12:03,080 --> 00:12:07,360 Speaker 4: With these words, Jesus stood to his feet. He breathed 179 00:12:07,400 --> 00:12:09,960 Speaker 4: in deeply and embraced his disciples. 180 00:12:10,520 --> 00:12:13,160 Speaker 7: Meet me on the mountain above Galilee. 181 00:12:12,679 --> 00:12:17,680 Speaker 4: He whispered, then, as he had several times before, he 182 00:12:17,840 --> 00:12:22,360 Speaker 4: vanished into thin air. John smiled and ran out the 183 00:12:22,440 --> 00:12:26,480 Speaker 4: door towards the mountains. Being the youngest, he was filled 184 00:12:26,480 --> 00:12:30,719 Speaker 4: with youthful energy that was infectious. The other disciples did 185 00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:34,520 Speaker 4: not bring any packs or coats. They ran to the 186 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:39,160 Speaker 4: mountains behind John. As they weaved through the town of Galilee, 187 00:12:39,200 --> 00:12:43,160 Speaker 4: many others began to follow. Jesus had revealed himself to 188 00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:46,800 Speaker 4: over five hundred people in the forty days since his resurrection, 189 00:12:47,360 --> 00:12:49,400 Speaker 4: and had called many to join him up on the 190 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:53,880 Speaker 4: mountain men, women, and children all left their homes and 191 00:12:53,920 --> 00:12:58,000 Speaker 4: workplaces to hike up to the place of meeting. It 192 00:12:58,120 --> 00:13:00,680 Speaker 4: was later in the day and the wind was whistling 193 00:13:00,720 --> 00:13:06,120 Speaker 4: through the canyons above Galilee. Soft green grass lay gently 194 00:13:06,200 --> 00:13:10,440 Speaker 4: on the mountain's edge. John was still running while others 195 00:13:10,520 --> 00:13:14,040 Speaker 4: jogged and walked behind him. The sun would be setting soon, 196 00:13:14,440 --> 00:13:17,280 Speaker 4: and John did not want to miss what would happen next. 197 00:13:18,679 --> 00:13:22,160 Speaker 4: Trailing close behind him was Peter. The two of them 198 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:26,160 Speaker 4: scaled the rocks and took short cuts as if they 199 00:13:26,160 --> 00:13:29,120 Speaker 4: were raising the sun. The two of them ran swiftly 200 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:33,240 Speaker 4: up the edge up onto the plateau. They stopped and 201 00:13:33,320 --> 00:13:37,120 Speaker 4: looked around in awe. The sun's rays were shooting out 202 00:13:37,280 --> 00:13:41,440 Speaker 4: in a hundred directions, bouncing off the towns and valleys below. 203 00:13:42,320 --> 00:13:45,440 Speaker 4: In front of them stood Jesus, looking out in the 204 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:51,600 Speaker 4: direction of Jerusalem. The gentle wind bustled around him. His 205 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:55,400 Speaker 4: robe and hair flew back in the wind, and Jesus 206 00:13:55,440 --> 00:13:59,000 Speaker 4: lifted his eyes to Heaven, basking in the final hour 207 00:13:59,080 --> 00:14:03,080 Speaker 4: of sunlight. The others made their way up the mountain. 208 00:14:03,760 --> 00:14:07,280 Speaker 4: There was a palpable feeling of anticipation in the air 209 00:14:07,960 --> 00:14:12,240 Speaker 4: as they all gathered before Jesus, the Son of God, 210 00:14:12,320 --> 00:14:15,840 Speaker 4: stood there on the mountain's edge. The radiance of the 211 00:14:15,880 --> 00:14:20,880 Speaker 4: sun was nothing in comparison to his glory. Small slivers 212 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:25,280 Speaker 4: of light began to shine through his skin, like flickering flames. 213 00:14:26,240 --> 00:14:30,120 Speaker 4: Hundreds of them bowed before Jesus. They sang his name 214 00:14:30,360 --> 00:14:34,640 Speaker 4: and proclaimed his mighty works to the heavens. Hallelujah. They 215 00:14:34,680 --> 00:14:38,880 Speaker 4: sang Hallelujah to the Son of David. For the first 216 00:14:38,880 --> 00:14:42,920 Speaker 4: time in history, a group of people gathered to worship 217 00:14:42,960 --> 00:14:47,440 Speaker 4: the risen King. They sang his praises and spoke of 218 00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:52,080 Speaker 4: his glory and grace. Their songs of hope and salvation 219 00:14:52,400 --> 00:14:58,560 Speaker 4: would resonate for a thousand generations. People of all creeds, cultures, 220 00:14:58,560 --> 00:15:02,480 Speaker 4: and tongues would gathered together for the sole purpose of 221 00:15:02,560 --> 00:15:07,440 Speaker 4: worshiping the risen Christ. His name would be on their lips, 222 00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:11,520 Speaker 4: and his mighty deeds would be proclaimed into the heavens. 223 00:15:12,520 --> 00:15:17,160 Speaker 4: Peter stepped forward from the crowd. My Lord Peter stopped. 224 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:22,760 Speaker 4: The ground near Jesus was beating with power. It was 225 00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:26,640 Speaker 4: as if the mountain had a beating heart. He looked 226 00:15:26,720 --> 00:15:30,680 Speaker 4: up to see Jesus. When Peter saw him, he covered 227 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:34,560 Speaker 4: his face and fell to his knees. He now fully 228 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:41,080 Speaker 4: understood he was in the presence of the most High God, Elohim, 229 00:15:41,400 --> 00:15:45,040 Speaker 4: the creator of the heavens and earth. He was speaking 230 00:15:45,080 --> 00:15:48,440 Speaker 4: to the Great Deliverer, the voice from the burning bush, 231 00:15:48,920 --> 00:15:53,200 Speaker 4: the Great I Am. Where he was standing was wholly ground. 232 00:15:54,600 --> 00:15:56,720 Speaker 4: He bowed before him and looked up. 233 00:15:57,120 --> 00:16:01,320 Speaker 8: Jesus, is it time for you to restore the kingdom 234 00:16:01,560 --> 00:16:05,000 Speaker 8: of Israel? Peter asked, is it time for you to 235 00:16:05,040 --> 00:16:07,320 Speaker 8: take the throne of David and claim your authority. 236 00:16:07,840 --> 00:16:11,920 Speaker 4: Jesus looked down at Peter and walked towards him. The 237 00:16:11,960 --> 00:16:16,120 Speaker 4: earth beneath him rippled with each step. The air around 238 00:16:16,200 --> 00:16:22,000 Speaker 4: him was warm and inviting. From his voice resonated the very. 239 00:16:22,000 --> 00:16:28,240 Speaker 9: Power of God authority. Jesus asked, all authority I have, Peter, 240 00:16:28,640 --> 00:16:31,320 Speaker 9: I give to you. You will receive power when the 241 00:16:31,360 --> 00:16:33,840 Speaker 9: Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be 242 00:16:33,880 --> 00:16:37,560 Speaker 9: my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, 243 00:16:37,600 --> 00:16:39,400 Speaker 9: and to the ends of the earth. 244 00:16:39,560 --> 00:16:42,480 Speaker 4: Jesus looked to the crown and raised his arms. 245 00:16:42,760 --> 00:16:45,920 Speaker 7: All authority in heaven and unearth his mind. I hold 246 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:48,720 Speaker 7: the very power of the universe in my hands, the 247 00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:51,320 Speaker 7: power to transform and save. 248 00:16:52,840 --> 00:16:56,360 Speaker 4: Jesus's voice grew louder, and the clouds around him began 249 00:16:56,440 --> 00:17:00,720 Speaker 4: to illuminate with light. The crowd looked behind Jesus to 250 00:17:00,760 --> 00:17:04,719 Speaker 4: see the sun holding its place on the horizon. It 251 00:17:04,760 --> 00:17:07,720 Speaker 4: became impossible to tell where the light was coming from 252 00:17:08,359 --> 00:17:13,480 Speaker 4: the sun, set, the clouds, or Jesus himself. Like a 253 00:17:13,560 --> 00:17:18,520 Speaker 4: thousand raging waters, Jesus's voice poured forth to his followers, 254 00:17:18,960 --> 00:17:20,280 Speaker 4: go therefore. 255 00:17:19,880 --> 00:17:23,560 Speaker 7: And make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the 256 00:17:23,640 --> 00:17:27,080 Speaker 7: name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 257 00:17:27,600 --> 00:17:32,479 Speaker 4: Matthew gazed upon Jesus. He noticed that Jesus's feet were 258 00:17:32,600 --> 00:17:38,760 Speaker 4: rising above the ground. He's leaving, Matthew realized. Matthew ran 259 00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:42,439 Speaker 4: to Jesus and fell at his feet. Beside Peter. The 260 00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:45,840 Speaker 4: eleven disciples fell to their knees and watched as the 261 00:17:45,880 --> 00:17:47,520 Speaker 4: Son of God rose above them. 262 00:17:47,960 --> 00:17:50,200 Speaker 7: Teach others to observe what I have taught. 263 00:17:49,960 --> 00:17:54,840 Speaker 9: You, Jesus said, to love, to obey, to sacrifice, and 264 00:17:54,920 --> 00:17:56,280 Speaker 9: to serve Master. 265 00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:56,600 Speaker 7: No. 266 00:17:57,280 --> 00:18:02,879 Speaker 4: Matthew shouted. Tears dreamed down his face. He was frightened. 267 00:18:03,320 --> 00:18:05,440 Speaker 4: He did not want to be away from the presence 268 00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:11,160 Speaker 4: of Jesus in him. He had found hope, power, and acceptance. 269 00:18:11,920 --> 00:18:14,639 Speaker 4: All of the disciples raised their eyes in awe of 270 00:18:14,680 --> 00:18:18,840 Speaker 4: the risen God. The heavens cracked open, and the light 271 00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:21,960 Speaker 4: of the Lord burst forth like a stream of living water. 272 00:18:23,280 --> 00:18:28,560 Speaker 4: It fell from the skies and enveloped Jesus. Surrounded by light, 273 00:18:29,240 --> 00:18:30,680 Speaker 4: Jesus smiled. 274 00:18:30,520 --> 00:18:34,600 Speaker 7: Do not be afraid, my children. Behold, I will be 275 00:18:34,640 --> 00:18:37,639 Speaker 7: with you always, even to the end of time. 276 00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:42,040 Speaker 4: As he said this, the light enveloped him, and he 277 00:18:42,119 --> 00:18:46,960 Speaker 4: disappeared into the skies like a vapor. The sun's rays 278 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:51,240 Speaker 4: retreated back into the horizon, and the clouds disappeared into 279 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:57,320 Speaker 4: the skies. Jesus of Nazareth, son of God, the Great 280 00:18:57,440 --> 00:19:00,800 Speaker 4: i Am, had gone to be with his Father in 281 00:19:00,840 --> 00:19:05,320 Speaker 4: the heavens. There he would prepare a place for them. 282 00:19:05,680 --> 00:19:08,560 Speaker 4: He would map out the course of eternity with them 283 00:19:08,600 --> 00:19:12,840 Speaker 4: in mind. The King of Kings would be the architect 284 00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:17,920 Speaker 4: of his kingdom on earth and in heaven. The disciples 285 00:19:17,920 --> 00:19:20,879 Speaker 4: awed up in the skies as the orange hues of 286 00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:26,680 Speaker 4: sunset turned darker. Two voices interrupted their gaze, saying. 287 00:19:27,240 --> 00:19:30,840 Speaker 10: Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking to heaven? 288 00:19:32,040 --> 00:19:33,600 Speaker 10: You have a calling to fulfill. 289 00:19:33,920 --> 00:19:36,719 Speaker 4: The disciples looked at the place where Jesus once stood. 290 00:19:37,480 --> 00:19:40,760 Speaker 4: In his place were two men clothed in white robes. 291 00:19:41,800 --> 00:19:43,919 Speaker 4: They smiled and stretched out their arms. 292 00:19:44,920 --> 00:19:48,520 Speaker 10: Jesus has been taken up into his dwelling place. He 293 00:19:48,560 --> 00:19:52,560 Speaker 10: will come back in the same manner. Be watchful, they said. 294 00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:57,880 Speaker 10: Peter nodded in agreement. He looked at the other ten disciples. 295 00:19:58,880 --> 00:20:02,720 Speaker 10: He looked at James and John. He nodded to Andrew, 296 00:20:02,840 --> 00:20:07,440 Speaker 10: his brother, and Philip. He placed his hand on Bartholomew 297 00:20:07,680 --> 00:20:12,240 Speaker 10: and gathered Matthew, Thomas, and James, the son of Alphaeus. 298 00:20:13,359 --> 00:20:17,919 Speaker 10: Thaddeus and Simon came in close as well. Peter felt 299 00:20:17,960 --> 00:20:22,520 Speaker 10: a deep fire within his belly. Jesus had gone, but 300 00:20:22,680 --> 00:20:23,719 Speaker 10: he was still present. 301 00:20:24,720 --> 00:20:30,080 Speaker 4: His spirit dwelled within him, ready to guide, convent and 302 00:20:30,240 --> 00:20:35,280 Speaker 4: empower him. Peter and the ten Disciples looked to Jerusalem 303 00:20:35,280 --> 00:20:39,240 Speaker 4: in the distance. The wind howled as the final hints 304 00:20:39,240 --> 00:20:45,080 Speaker 4: of light disappeared. Peter closed his eyes, remembering the words 305 00:20:45,320 --> 00:20:46,360 Speaker 4: Jesus spoke. 306 00:20:46,080 --> 00:20:49,040 Speaker 7: To him by the fire, Tend to my sheep. 307 00:20:49,720 --> 00:20:53,600 Speaker 4: Peter opened his eyes and marched down the mountain. There 308 00:20:53,600 --> 00:20:56,479 Speaker 4: were sheep who needed to be tended to. There were 309 00:20:56,520 --> 00:21:00,240 Speaker 4: people lost in need of a shepherd. The disciple was 310 00:21:00,280 --> 00:21:04,720 Speaker 4: left with purpose, power and love for God's people. He 311 00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:08,600 Speaker 4: empowered them to march down that mountain and reclaim the 312 00:21:08,640 --> 00:21:13,280 Speaker 4: people of God. They knew they were not alone. The 313 00:21:13,280 --> 00:21:17,320 Speaker 4: God of their ancestors walked beside them. The Great i 314 00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:21,280 Speaker 4: Am was with them. All the nations would soon hear 315 00:21:21,359 --> 00:21:25,639 Speaker 4: the story of the good Shepherd, the hero of scripture, 316 00:21:26,720 --> 00:21:30,000 Speaker 4: the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 317 00:21:35,320 --> 00:21:38,399 Speaker 3: There we have it, a beautiful end to a beautiful story, 318 00:21:38,680 --> 00:21:41,560 Speaker 3: the final page in a brilliant book. But it doesn't 319 00:21:41,560 --> 00:21:44,399 Speaker 3: feel like the end, does it. That's because it isn't. 320 00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:47,760 Speaker 3: The departure of Jesus isn't the end of anything, but 321 00:21:47,840 --> 00:21:52,199 Speaker 3: the beginning of everything. Jesus's ascension into heaven hearkens to 322 00:21:52,280 --> 00:21:55,280 Speaker 3: the dawn of a new era. The Son of God left, 323 00:21:55,560 --> 00:21:57,760 Speaker 3: making room for the Spirit of God to dwell and 324 00:21:57,800 --> 00:22:02,520 Speaker 3: work among his Followersis wasn't somber like the crucifixion because 325 00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:06,320 Speaker 3: Jesus's departure wasn't a death, but a sign of new life. 326 00:22:06,800 --> 00:22:09,000 Speaker 3: He left to prepare a place for us, and we 327 00:22:09,080 --> 00:22:11,639 Speaker 3: have his spirit dwelling in and among us for the 328 00:22:11,640 --> 00:22:15,520 Speaker 3: mission ahead. God never gives his commission without first giving 329 00:22:15,600 --> 00:22:19,280 Speaker 3: us his comfort, Jesus tended to his disciples hearts before 330 00:22:19,280 --> 00:22:23,359 Speaker 3: giving them the ultimate mission. He reminded them of his love, power, 331 00:22:23,520 --> 00:22:26,560 Speaker 3: and presence before calling them to go and make disciples. 332 00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:29,320 Speaker 3: You and I can take heart that God wants to 333 00:22:29,359 --> 00:22:33,399 Speaker 3: supply us with all the strength necessary to perform his purposes. 334 00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:37,160 Speaker 3: He won't leave us alone and confuse. That is why 335 00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:40,160 Speaker 3: we need a spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us into 336 00:22:40,240 --> 00:22:43,439 Speaker 3: all truth, directs our course, convicts us of sin, and 337 00:22:43,560 --> 00:22:46,680 Speaker 3: challenges us to live up to our calling. Jesus said 338 00:22:46,680 --> 00:22:49,600 Speaker 3: in John sixteen, I tell you the truth. It is 339 00:22:49,680 --> 00:22:51,919 Speaker 3: to your advantage that I go away. For if I 340 00:22:51,960 --> 00:22:54,840 Speaker 3: do not go away, the Spirit will not come to you. 341 00:22:55,200 --> 00:22:57,040 Speaker 3: But if I go, I will send him to you. 342 00:22:57,760 --> 00:23:00,159 Speaker 3: Jesus said it was better that he departs so that 343 00:23:00,200 --> 00:23:03,359 Speaker 3: he might have the Holy Spirit in his place. After 344 00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:06,359 Speaker 3: Jesus comforted and spent time with his disciples, he said, 345 00:23:06,840 --> 00:23:10,040 Speaker 3: meet me on the mountain above Galilee. We have talked 346 00:23:10,040 --> 00:23:12,880 Speaker 3: about a few different images that are commonly used in scripture. 347 00:23:13,280 --> 00:23:17,280 Speaker 3: Mountains are common motifs used by God. The ancient Hebrews 348 00:23:17,320 --> 00:23:19,640 Speaker 3: believe that Eden was set on a high place where 349 00:23:19,680 --> 00:23:23,560 Speaker 3: heaven and earth converged in beautiful harmony. That is why 350 00:23:23,680 --> 00:23:26,680 Speaker 3: many major events in the Bible took place on mountains. 351 00:23:27,160 --> 00:23:30,480 Speaker 3: Noah's ark settled on a mountain after the flood. Abraham 352 00:23:30,560 --> 00:23:34,080 Speaker 3: marched up a mountain to sacrifice Isaac. In our prelude, 353 00:23:34,119 --> 00:23:36,960 Speaker 3: Moses met the Burning Bush. Tucked between two canyons and 354 00:23:37,000 --> 00:23:41,200 Speaker 3: a mountain. Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. 355 00:23:41,800 --> 00:23:44,720 Speaker 3: David captured the area known as Mount Zion where the 356 00:23:44,760 --> 00:23:48,399 Speaker 3: temple was built. Elijah called fire down from Heaven on 357 00:23:48,480 --> 00:23:52,080 Speaker 3: Mount Carmo. Jesus's greatest sermon on the Kingdom of God 358 00:23:52,240 --> 00:23:55,879 Speaker 3: was given on a mountain. Jesus was transfigured on a mountain, 359 00:23:55,920 --> 00:23:58,720 Speaker 3: and his glory was shown to Peter, James and John. 360 00:23:59,359 --> 00:24:02,000 Speaker 3: Jesus was rested to die on the Mount of Olives. 361 00:24:02,440 --> 00:24:04,919 Speaker 3: Jesus marched up a hill of Gogotha to die for 362 00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:08,400 Speaker 3: the sins of humanity, and finally, on the mountain range 363 00:24:08,440 --> 00:24:12,919 Speaker 3: of Galilee, Jesus ascended into Heaven. The Bible is our mountain, 364 00:24:13,080 --> 00:24:15,680 Speaker 3: a high place for us to meet God and hear 365 00:24:15,800 --> 00:24:18,840 Speaker 3: from the heart of Heaven. Five hundred people witnessed the 366 00:24:18,920 --> 00:24:21,680 Speaker 3: risen Lord, and many of them met with the disciples 367 00:24:21,720 --> 00:24:24,920 Speaker 3: on the mountain to see Jesus depart on the high 368 00:24:24,920 --> 00:24:28,359 Speaker 3: place where heaven and Earth converged. The first church service 369 00:24:28,440 --> 00:24:31,720 Speaker 3: took place. They sang his name and proclaimed his mighty 370 00:24:31,760 --> 00:24:35,600 Speaker 3: works to the heavens. Hallelujah. They sang Hallelujah to the 371 00:24:35,640 --> 00:24:38,159 Speaker 3: Son of David. For the first time in history, a 372 00:24:38,160 --> 00:24:41,080 Speaker 3: group of people gathered to worship the risen King. They 373 00:24:41,119 --> 00:24:43,600 Speaker 3: sang his praises and spoke of his glory and grace. 374 00:24:44,080 --> 00:24:47,040 Speaker 3: Their songs of hope and salvation would resonate for a 375 00:24:47,119 --> 00:24:51,240 Speaker 3: thousand generations. People of all creeds, cultures, and tongues would 376 00:24:51,280 --> 00:24:54,840 Speaker 3: gather together for the sole purpose of worshiping the risen Christ. 377 00:24:55,320 --> 00:24:57,240 Speaker 3: His name would be on their lips, and his mighty 378 00:24:57,280 --> 00:25:00,040 Speaker 3: deeds would be proclaimed into the heavens. Every time you, 379 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:01,840 Speaker 3: you and I meet at church or in our homes 380 00:25:01,840 --> 00:25:04,600 Speaker 3: to worship, we are attempting to capture a moment like 381 00:25:04,640 --> 00:25:07,480 Speaker 3: this where our songs to God unite us and our 382 00:25:07,480 --> 00:25:11,000 Speaker 3: love for Jesus empowers us. When the singing was finished, 383 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:14,119 Speaker 3: the mountains began to tremble. We were taken back to 384 00:25:14,160 --> 00:25:18,000 Speaker 3: the prelude, when the presence of God was tangible and spectacular. 385 00:25:18,640 --> 00:25:22,400 Speaker 3: Jesus began his ascension, giving his disciples one final charge. 386 00:25:22,840 --> 00:25:26,640 Speaker 3: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them 387 00:25:26,640 --> 00:25:29,080 Speaker 3: in the name of the Father, the Son, and the 388 00:25:29,080 --> 00:25:31,560 Speaker 3: Holy Spirit. This calling is carried out by you and 389 00:25:31,600 --> 00:25:35,520 Speaker 3: me every day, with every act of compassion, moment of love, 390 00:25:35,680 --> 00:25:39,680 Speaker 3: and intentional conversation. We do not embark on this mission alone. 391 00:25:40,160 --> 00:25:42,800 Speaker 3: We have the comforting presence of Jesus in our hearts, 392 00:25:43,040 --> 00:25:46,359 Speaker 3: and we have the community of God in our lives. Hallelujah. 393 00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:49,520 Speaker 3: Thank you for joining me on this journey through the 394 00:25:49,520 --> 00:25:52,400 Speaker 3: life and ministry of Jesus. I know in my heart 395 00:25:52,480 --> 00:25:55,800 Speaker 3: that nobody can interact with the story of Jesus and 396 00:25:55,920 --> 00:25:59,080 Speaker 3: leave unchanged in some way. I pray these stories of 397 00:25:59,080 --> 00:26:02,719 Speaker 3: God's goodness and glory have encouraged your hearts and enriched 398 00:26:02,720 --> 00:26:05,679 Speaker 3: your souls. I pray and hope you learn more about 399 00:26:05,720 --> 00:26:08,800 Speaker 3: God's love and his plan for the nations. I also 400 00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:12,360 Speaker 3: pray you take on the character of Jesus, moving forward 401 00:26:12,440 --> 00:26:15,040 Speaker 3: every day to make an impact like he did. May 402 00:26:15,080 --> 00:26:18,320 Speaker 3: the God of all creation bless you, keep you and 403 00:26:18,440 --> 00:26:21,480 Speaker 3: empower you for the journey ahead. May his grace give 404 00:26:21,520 --> 00:26:24,720 Speaker 3: you strength, and may his truth convict your heart. Amen. 405 00:26:25,400 --> 00:26:28,280 Speaker 3: Thank you again for joining me on this incredible series 406 00:26:28,359 --> 00:26:32,960 Speaker 3: about Jesus. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom 407 00:26:33,000 --> 00:26:35,840 Speaker 3: to last a lifetime, go to pray dot com. And 408 00:26:35,920 --> 00:26:39,119 Speaker 3: to expand your heroes in the Bible journey, download the 409 00:26:39,160 --> 00:26:42,960 Speaker 3: Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward 410 00:26:43,040 --> 00:26:46,480 Speaker 3: slash Heroes. Share this podcast with a family member or 411 00:26:46,520 --> 00:26:49,600 Speaker 3: friend so they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way. 412 00:26:50,080 --> 00:26:52,399 Speaker 3: You never know how great of an impact the Bible 413 00:26:52,440 --> 00:26:55,879 Speaker 3: and this podcast can have on someone's life. God bless