1
00:00:00,600 --> 00:00:04,120
Speaker 1: Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,

2
00:00:05,080 --> 00:00:09,840
Speaker 1: and lo I am with you always, even unto the

3
00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:10,640
Speaker 1: end of the world.

4
00:00:11,480 --> 00:00:11,880
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
00:00:29,080 --> 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
00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:44,400
Speaker 1: your Spirit to rest on my mind and heart. With

11
00:00:44,520 --> 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 --> 00:00:59,280
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
00:01:04,200 --> 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 --> 00:01:18,520
Speaker 1: Thank you that even when you ascended to Heaven, you

18
00:01:18,680 --> 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
00:01:28,160 --> 00:01:33,000
Speaker 1: I grow in my faith, Holy Spirit, teach me and

21
00:01:33,160 --> 00:01:37,760
Speaker 1: lead me into all truth in Jesus' name.

22
00:01:39,319 --> 00:01:39,720
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 --> 00:01:48,280
Speaker 1: From pray dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible.

25
00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:52,800
Speaker 3: Hi, I'm doc to Tony Evans, jehosts 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
00:02:01,600 --> 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
00:02:10,639 --> 00:02:14,320
Speaker 3: for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness.

33
00:02:14,960 --> 00:02:17,280
Speaker 3: This is a story that continues to shape and mold

34
00:02:17,320 --> 00:02:20,360
Speaker 3: the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God

35
00:02:20,480 --> 00:02:23,200
Speaker 3: right into the hearts of you and me. This is

36
00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:27,120
Speaker 3: our final episode together. Throughout this episode, we get the

37
00:02:27,160 --> 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 --> 00:02:38,240
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 --> 00:02:46,239
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 --> 00:02:53,800
Speaker 3: to a grand adventure. I have enjoyed going through the

44
00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:56,919
Speaker 3: series with you. I pray that the life and ministry

45
00:02:56,919 --> 00:02:59,880
Speaker 3: of Jesus impacted you in some way. I find it

46
00:03:00,160 --> 00:03:03,440
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
00:03:11,520 --> 00:03:14,280
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
00:03:18,639 --> 00:03:21,680
Speaker 3: that can thwart the work of God. Take heart today

52
00:03:21,720 --> 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
00:03:29,080 --> 00:03:32,160
Speaker 3: This episode begins, like all the others, with the prelude

55
00:03:32,440 --> 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 --> 00:03:54,800
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
00:03:58,840 --> 00:04:00,040
Speaker 3: Go therefore.

64
00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:10,720
Speaker 4: Prelude Chapter twenty three. It was midday and the wind

65
00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:13,800
Speaker 4: was whistling through the canyons above the camp of Jaffarl.

66
00:04:15,160 --> 00:04:18,680
Speaker 4: Soft green grass lay gently on the mountain's edge, and

67
00:04:18,800 --> 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 --> 00:04:32,000
Speaker 4: through cracks in the canyons. Then Moses saw a light

70
00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:36,039
Speaker 4: flickering in the distance. He perked his head up and

71
00:04:36,120 --> 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 --> 00:04:48,520
Speaker 4: swayed to the wind above, Yet the tree was not

74
00:04:48,760 --> 00:04:50,560
Speaker 4: consumed or burned.

75
00:04:51,680 --> 00:04:55,839
Speaker 2: Moses. The tree, whispered Moses.

76
00:04:56,600 --> 00:05:01,320
Speaker 4: Moses stepped forward. Here I am, Moses stopped. The ground

77
00:05:01,400 --> 00:05:05,160
Speaker 4: near the tree was beating with power. It was as

78
00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:09,400
Speaker 4: if the mountain had a beating heart. He looked up

79
00:05:09,440 --> 00:05:13,839
Speaker 4: to see the tree standing with power, the Majesty. The

80
00:05:13,920 --> 00:05:16,599
Speaker 4: flames whistled around the tree like doves.

81
00:05:17,240 --> 00:05:19,120
Speaker 5: Why isn't the tree burning.

82
00:05:19,080 --> 00:05:23,560
Speaker 4: Moses whispered to himself. He took another step, but the

83
00:05:23,600 --> 00:05:28,400
Speaker 4: tree spoke again, saying do not come any closer.

84
00:05:29,680 --> 00:05:32,960
Speaker 2: Take off your sandals, for the ground on which you

85
00:05:33,160 --> 00:05:35,160
Speaker 2: stand is holy ground.

86
00:05:35,839 --> 00:05:39,719
Speaker 4: Moses did as he was commanded, now standing in amazement

87
00:05:39,839 --> 00:05:44,040
Speaker 4: before the flame. Who are you, Moses.

88
00:05:43,680 --> 00:05:48,479
Speaker 2: Asked, I am the God of your father, the God

89
00:05:48,560 --> 00:05:54,000
Speaker 2: of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

90
00:05:54,920 --> 00:05:58,080
Speaker 4: When Moses heard this, he covered his face and fell

91
00:05:58,160 --> 00:06:02,520
Speaker 4: to his knees. He now fully understood he was in

92
00:06:02,560 --> 00:06:07,799
Speaker 4: the presence of the most High God, ELOHI, the creator

93
00:06:08,040 --> 00:06:12,080
Speaker 4: of the heavens and earth. The fire pulsated to the

94
00:06:12,160 --> 00:06:13,520
Speaker 4: rhythm of his voice.

95
00:06:13,760 --> 00:06:18,080
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 --> 00:06:28,000
Speaker 2: heard their cries. I have come to redeem them from

98
00:06:28,160 --> 00:06:33,719
Speaker 2: darkness and to lead them out of slavery. I will

99
00:06:33,720 --> 00:06:37,719
Speaker 2: bring them to a new land, a land flowing with

100
00:06:37,960 --> 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
00:06:48,880 --> 00:06:51,280
Speaker 4: He spoke to the heart of Moses and.

104
00:06:51,240 --> 00:06:57,279
Speaker 2: Said, go therefore too, Pharaoh, for I am sending you

105
00:06:57,960 --> 00:07:01,120
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
00:07:05,960 --> 00:07:07,880
Speaker 4: He opened up his arms and said.

108
00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:10,800
Speaker 5: Who am I to stand before the king of Egypt?

109
00:07:11,640 --> 00:07:13,000
Speaker 5: 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
00:07:29,280 --> 00:07:32,200
Speaker 4: Surrounded by light, God spoke.

115
00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:38,480
Speaker 2: Do not be afraid, my child. Behold, I will be

116
00:07:38,640 --> 00:07:39,680
Speaker 2: with you.

117
00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:44,560
Speaker 5: Always if I do go. Whom shall I say sent me?

118
00:07:45,160 --> 00:07:50,440
Speaker 4: Moses asked in fear. The fire flickered and grew larger.

119
00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:54,720
Speaker 4: Its radiance was like the rising sun, and the voice

120
00:07:54,960 --> 00:07:56,480
Speaker 4: illuminated from the flames.

121
00:07:56,520 --> 00:08:00,960
Speaker 2: Boldly, I am that Ah, I.

122
00:08:00,560 --> 00:08:02,800
Speaker 4: Am, he said, with power.

123
00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:10,520
Speaker 6: Say it is I am Yahweh, the God of your fathers,

124
00:08:11,360 --> 00:08:16,920
Speaker 6: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the

125
00:08:17,040 --> 00:08:18,560
Speaker 6: God of Jacob.

126
00:08:19,560 --> 00:08:26,120
Speaker 2: This is my name forever, and I will be remembered

127
00:08:26,280 --> 00:08:28,920
Speaker 2: throughout all generations.

128
00:08:29,600 --> 00:08:33,880
Speaker 4: So Moses departed down the mountain. He looked at his

129
00:08:33,960 --> 00:08:38,199
Speaker 4: sheep trailing behind him. There were more sheep who needed

130
00:08:38,240 --> 00:08:42,400
Speaker 4: to be tended to. There were people captive and in

131
00:08:42,480 --> 00:08:47,480
Speaker 4: need of a shepherd. Moses left with purpose, power, and

132
00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:51,600
Speaker 4: love for his people. He empowered him to march down

133
00:08:51,640 --> 00:08:55,480
Speaker 4: that mountain and reclaim the people of God. He knew

134
00:08:55,520 --> 00:08:59,600
Speaker 4: he was not alone. The God of his ancestors walked

135
00:08:59,640 --> 00:09:03,800
Speaker 4: beside him. The Great I Am was prepared to go

136
00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:15,800
Speaker 4: before him. Chapter twenty three. Go Therefore together again. Jesus

137
00:09:15,800 --> 00:09:19,560
Speaker 4: and the eleven disciples reclined at a small table, enjoying

138
00:09:19,559 --> 00:09:24,800
Speaker 4: a meal. The room was small and humble. The wooden

139
00:09:24,840 --> 00:09:28,280
Speaker 4: table was old and rickety, and the fireplace was worn

140
00:09:28,640 --> 00:09:32,760
Speaker 4: and weathered from years of use. Yet there was joy

141
00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:37,079
Speaker 4: in the room. The disciples laughter shook the four walls.

142
00:09:37,960 --> 00:09:43,640
Speaker 4: Jesus watched his disciples laugh, bicker, eat, and pray. Their

143
00:09:43,760 --> 00:09:48,880
Speaker 4: joy was complete in light of Christ's resurrection. Now there

144
00:09:48,920 --> 00:09:52,920
Speaker 4: was only one thing left for Jesus to do. He

145
00:09:53,000 --> 00:09:56,199
Speaker 4: would leave them again. But this time it would not

146
00:09:56,320 --> 00:10:00,520
Speaker 4: be as sorrowful or mysterious good bye. It would be

147
00:10:00,559 --> 00:10:05,640
Speaker 4: filled with hope and promise. Jesus had completed the work

148
00:10:05,760 --> 00:10:09,920
Speaker 4: necessary for them to thrive and scatter throughout the nations.

149
00:10:10,600 --> 00:10:12,960
Speaker 4: He took a sip from his cup and set it down.

150
00:10:14,040 --> 00:10:17,439
Speaker 4: Clearing his throat, he lifted his voice for him to hear.

151
00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:21,040
Speaker 7: You do not believe those who claimed I had risen

152
00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:22,160
Speaker 7: from the dead, did.

153
00:10:22,040 --> 00:10:27,040
Speaker 4: You, Jesus asked. The eleven men looked at Jesus, feeling

154
00:10:27,200 --> 00:10:31,560
Speaker 4: convicted that they had not known sooner. Jesus smiled and

155
00:10:31,640 --> 00:10:32,600
Speaker 4: shook his head.

156
00:10:32,800 --> 00:10:35,719
Speaker 7: Be mindful of this, my dear children. Soon you will

157
00:10:35,760 --> 00:10:39,280
Speaker 7: be proclaiming my resurrection, and people will not want to

158
00:10:39,320 --> 00:10:43,560
Speaker 7: believe you either. You have seen me and believed, yet

159
00:10:43,559 --> 00:10:46,720
Speaker 7: blessed to those who have not seen me and still believe.

160
00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:50,240
Speaker 4: What are you going to do now, James asked Jesus.

161
00:10:50,679 --> 00:10:52,040
Speaker 3: We are eager to follow you.

162
00:10:52,480 --> 00:10:56,120
Speaker 4: Jesus looked around the room. The men were awaiting a

163
00:10:56,160 --> 00:11:00,640
Speaker 4: new mission. They were anticipating a revolution of some sorts

164
00:11:00,880 --> 00:11:05,160
Speaker 4: with Jesus at the front. However, Jesus was about to

165
00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:10,040
Speaker 4: shift their expectations yet again. Now we go into the world,

166
00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:12,560
Speaker 4: Jesus responded.

167
00:11:12,840 --> 00:11:16,400
Speaker 7: You will proclaim the Gospel to my creation and reconcile

168
00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:19,960
Speaker 7: their hearts to God. You will be my ambassadors on

169
00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:24,400
Speaker 7: the earth, proclaiming the coming kingdom. People will believe in

170
00:11:24,480 --> 00:11:29,560
Speaker 7: me and be saved. However, many will reject me and

171
00:11:29,640 --> 00:11:30,439
Speaker 7: be condemned.

172
00:11:31,840 --> 00:11:36,240
Speaker 4: Where do we begin, Peter asked eagerly, with faith, Peter,

173
00:11:36,640 --> 00:11:39,079
Speaker 4: Jesus said softly, there will.

174
00:11:38,880 --> 00:11:41,920
Speaker 7: Be many signs and wonders you will behold. Yet you

175
00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:44,880
Speaker 7: must wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He

176
00:11:44,920 --> 00:11:48,480
Speaker 7: will guide you into all truth. With him counseling you,

177
00:11:48,480 --> 00:11:51,240
Speaker 7: you will be able to cast out demons, speak in

178
00:11:51,320 --> 00:11:54,520
Speaker 7: new tongues, and be immune to the poisons of this world.

179
00:11:55,160 --> 00:11:57,360
Speaker 7: You will lay hands on the sick as I have,

180
00:11:57,679 --> 00:12:02,280
Speaker 7: and they will be healed. Yet it all begins with faith.

181
00:12:03,080 --> 00:12:07,400
Speaker 4: With these words, Jesus stood to his feet. He breathed

182
00:12:07,440 --> 00:12:09,960
Speaker 4: in deeply, and embraced his disciples.

183
00:12:10,520 --> 00:12:13,160
Speaker 7: Meet me on the mountain above Galilee.

184
00:12:12,720 --> 00:12:17,720
Speaker 4: He whispered, then, as he had several times before, he

185
00:12:17,840 --> 00:12:22,400
Speaker 4: vanished into thin air. John smiled and ran out the

186
00:12:22,440 --> 00:12:26,480
Speaker 4: door towards the mountains. Being the youngest, he was filled

187
00:12:26,520 --> 00:12:30,719
Speaker 4: with youthful energy that was infectious. The other disciples did

188
00:12:30,720 --> 00:12:34,520
Speaker 4: not bring any packs or coats. They ran to the

189
00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:38,960
Speaker 4: mountains behind John. As they weaved through the town of Galilee,

190
00:12:39,200 --> 00:12:43,200
Speaker 4: many others began to follow. Jesus had revealed himself to

191
00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:46,800
Speaker 4: over five hundred people in the forty days since his resurrection,

192
00:12:47,360 --> 00:12:51,720
Speaker 4: and had called many to join him up on the mountain. Men, women,

193
00:12:51,800 --> 00:12:55,440
Speaker 4: and children all left their homes and workplaces to hike

194
00:12:55,600 --> 00:12:58,640
Speaker 4: up to the place of meeting. It was later in

195
00:12:58,679 --> 00:13:01,600
Speaker 4: the day and the wind was whistling through the canyons

196
00:13:01,640 --> 00:13:08,040
Speaker 4: above gallery. Soft green grass lay gently on the mountain's edge.

197
00:13:08,320 --> 00:13:11,920
Speaker 4: John was still running while others jogged and walked behind him.

198
00:13:12,760 --> 00:13:15,160
Speaker 4: The sun would be setting soon, and John did not

199
00:13:15,280 --> 00:13:19,760
Speaker 4: want to miss what would happen next. Trailing close behind

200
00:13:19,840 --> 00:13:23,240
Speaker 4: him was Peter. The two of them scaled the rocks

201
00:13:23,280 --> 00:13:27,280
Speaker 4: and took short cuts as if they were raising the sun.

202
00:13:27,559 --> 00:13:30,319
Speaker 4: The two of them ran swiftly up the edge up

203
00:13:30,360 --> 00:13:35,360
Speaker 4: onto the plateau. They stopped and looked around in awe.

204
00:13:35,600 --> 00:13:38,640
Speaker 4: The sun's rays were shooting out in a hundred directions,

205
00:13:38,880 --> 00:13:42,840
Speaker 4: bouncing off the towns and valleys below. In front of

206
00:13:42,880 --> 00:13:47,840
Speaker 4: them stood Jesus, looking out in the direction of Jerusalem.

207
00:13:48,080 --> 00:13:52,480
Speaker 4: The gentle wind bustled around him. His robe and hair

208
00:13:52,559 --> 00:13:56,319
Speaker 4: flew back in the wind, and Jesus lifted his eyes

209
00:13:56,360 --> 00:14:01,440
Speaker 4: to Heaven, basking in the final hour of sunlight. The

210
00:14:01,480 --> 00:14:04,240
Speaker 4: others made their way up the mountain. There was a

211
00:14:04,280 --> 00:14:08,520
Speaker 4: palpable feeling of anticipation in the air as they all

212
00:14:08,559 --> 00:14:13,040
Speaker 4: gathered before Jesus, the son of God stood there on

213
00:14:13,080 --> 00:14:17,040
Speaker 4: the mountain's edge. The radiance of the sun was nothing

214
00:14:17,120 --> 00:14:21,840
Speaker 4: in comparison to his glory. Small slivers of light began

215
00:14:21,960 --> 00:14:26,800
Speaker 4: to shine through his skin, like flickering flames. Hundreds of

216
00:14:26,840 --> 00:14:31,080
Speaker 4: them bowed before Jesus. They sang his name and proclaimed

217
00:14:31,120 --> 00:14:36,280
Speaker 4: his mighty works to the heavens. Hallelujah. They sang Hallelujah

218
00:14:36,280 --> 00:14:40,000
Speaker 4: to the son of David. For the first time in history,

219
00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:43,760
Speaker 4: a group of people gathered to worship the risen King.

220
00:14:45,320 --> 00:14:48,840
Speaker 4: They sang his praises and spoke of his glory and grace.

221
00:14:50,240 --> 00:14:53,480
Speaker 4: Their songs of hope and salvation would resonate for a

222
00:14:53,560 --> 00:14:59,560
Speaker 4: thousand generations. People of all creeds, cultures, and tongues would

223
00:14:59,640 --> 00:15:04,120
Speaker 4: gather together for the sole purpose of worshiping the Risen Christ.

224
00:15:05,680 --> 00:15:08,680
Speaker 4: His name would be on their lips, and his mighty

225
00:15:08,760 --> 00:15:13,680
Speaker 4: deeds would be proclaimed into the heavens. Peter stepped forward

226
00:15:13,720 --> 00:15:18,960
Speaker 4: from the crowd. My Lord Peter stopped. The ground near

227
00:15:19,040 --> 00:15:23,320
Speaker 4: Jesus was beating with power. It was as if the

228
00:15:23,360 --> 00:15:28,280
Speaker 4: mountain had a beating heart. He looked up to see Jesus.

229
00:15:28,920 --> 00:15:31,880
Speaker 4: When Peter saw him, he covered his face and fell

230
00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:36,520
Speaker 4: to his knees. He now fully understood. He was in

231
00:15:36,560 --> 00:15:42,120
Speaker 4: the presence of the most High God, Elohim, the creator

232
00:15:42,160 --> 00:15:45,360
Speaker 4: of the heavens and earth. He was speaking to the

233
00:15:45,400 --> 00:15:49,440
Speaker 4: Great Deliverer, the voice from the burning bush, the Great

234
00:15:49,600 --> 00:15:54,760
Speaker 4: I Am. Where he was standing was holy ground. He

235
00:15:54,800 --> 00:15:56,760
Speaker 4: bowed before him and looked up.

236
00:15:57,120 --> 00:16:01,320
Speaker 2: Jesus, is it time for you to restore the kingdom

237
00:16:01,600 --> 00:16:05,000
Speaker 2: of Israel? Peter asked, is it time for you to

238
00:16:05,040 --> 00:16:07,320
Speaker 2: take the throne of David and claim your authority.

239
00:16:07,880 --> 00:16:11,960
Speaker 4: Jesus looked down at Peter and walked towards him. The

240
00:16:12,000 --> 00:16:16,120
Speaker 4: earth beneath him rippled with each step. The air around

241
00:16:16,200 --> 00:16:21,600
Speaker 4: him was warm and inviting. From his voice resonated the.

242
00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:28,240
Speaker 7: Very power of God authority. Jesus asked, all authority I have, Peter,

243
00:16:28,680 --> 00:16:31,320
Speaker 7: I give to you. You will receive power when the

244
00:16:31,360 --> 00:16:33,840
Speaker 7: Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be

245
00:16:33,920 --> 00:16:37,560
Speaker 7: my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judaea and Samaria,

246
00:16:37,600 --> 00:16:39,400
Speaker 7: and to the ends of the earth.

247
00:16:39,560 --> 00:16:43,160
Speaker 4: Jesus looked to the crown and raised his arms all.

248
00:16:43,000 --> 00:16:46,040
Speaker 7: Authority in heaven and unearth his mind. I hold the

249
00:16:46,120 --> 00:16:49,160
Speaker 7: very power of the universe in my hands, the power

250
00:16:49,240 --> 00:16:51,040
Speaker 7: to transform and save.

251
00:16:52,840 --> 00:16:56,400
Speaker 4: Jesus's voice grew louder, and the clouds around him began

252
00:16:56,480 --> 00:17:00,520
Speaker 4: to illuminate with light. The crowd looked behind me Jesus

253
00:17:00,640 --> 00:17:03,600
Speaker 4: to see the sun holding its place on the horizon.

254
00:17:04,600 --> 00:17:07,440
Speaker 4: It became impossible to tell where the light was coming

255
00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:13,480
Speaker 4: from the sunset, the clouds, or Jesus himself. Like a

256
00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:19,280
Speaker 4: thousand raging waters. Jesus's voice poured forth to his followers, Go.

257
00:17:19,280 --> 00:17:23,480
Speaker 7: Therefore and make disciples of all nations, Baptize them in

258
00:17:23,520 --> 00:17:27,080
Speaker 7: the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

259
00:17:27,640 --> 00:17:32,520
Speaker 4: Matthew gazed upon Jesus. He noticed that Jesus's feet were

260
00:17:32,600 --> 00:17:38,800
Speaker 4: rising above the ground. He's leaving, Matthew realized. Matthew ran

261
00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:42,439
Speaker 4: to Jesus and fell at his feet. Beside Peter. The

262
00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:45,879
Speaker 4: eleven disciples fell to their knees and watched as the

263
00:17:45,880 --> 00:17:47,560
Speaker 4: Son of God rose above them.

264
00:17:47,960 --> 00:17:49,320
Speaker 7: Teach others to observe what.

265
00:17:49,359 --> 00:17:52,040
Speaker 1: I have taught you, Jesus said, to love.

266
00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:56,320
Speaker 7: To obey, to sacrifice, and to serve Master.

267
00:17:56,560 --> 00:17:56,600
Speaker 2: No.

268
00:17:57,320 --> 00:18:02,919
Speaker 4: Matthew shouted. Tears dreamed down his face. He was frightened.

269
00:18:03,359 --> 00:18:05,440
Speaker 4: He did not want to be away from the presence

270
00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:10,359
Speaker 4: of Jesus. In him. He had found oh power and

271
00:18:10,520 --> 00:18:14,520
Speaker 4: acceptance all of the disciples raised their eyes in awe

272
00:18:14,600 --> 00:18:18,560
Speaker 4: of the risen God. The heavens cracked open, and the

273
00:18:18,640 --> 00:18:21,280
Speaker 4: light of the Lord burst forth like a stream of

274
00:18:21,359 --> 00:18:26,120
Speaker 4: living water. It fell from the skies and enveloped Jesus.

275
00:18:27,520 --> 00:18:30,639
Speaker 4: Surrounded by light, Jesus smiled, do.

276
00:18:30,760 --> 00:18:34,800
Speaker 7: Not be afraid, my children. Behold, I will be with

277
00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:37,639
Speaker 7: you always, even to the end of time.

278
00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:42,040
Speaker 4: As he said this, the light enveloped him, and he

279
00:18:42,119 --> 00:18:47,000
Speaker 4: disappeared into the skies like a vapor. The sun's rays

280
00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:51,240
Speaker 4: retreated back into the horizon, and the clouds disappeared into

281
00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:57,359
Speaker 4: the skies. Jesus of Nazareth, son of God, the Great

282
00:18:57,480 --> 00:19:00,800
Speaker 4: i Am, had gone to be with his Father in

283
00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:05,360
Speaker 4: the heavens. There he would prepare a place for them.

284
00:19:05,680 --> 00:19:08,600
Speaker 4: He would map out the course of eternity with them

285
00:19:08,600 --> 00:19:12,800
Speaker 4: in mind. The King of Kings would be the architect

286
00:19:12,880 --> 00:19:17,920
Speaker 4: of his kingdom on earth and in heaven. The disciples

287
00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:20,879
Speaker 4: awed up in the skies as the orange hues of

288
00:19:20,960 --> 00:19:26,680
Speaker 4: sunset turned darker. Two voices interrupted their gaze, saying.

289
00:19:27,280 --> 00:19:30,919
Speaker 8: Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking to heaven?

290
00:19:32,040 --> 00:19:33,600
Speaker 8: You have a calling to fulfill.

291
00:19:33,920 --> 00:19:36,719
Speaker 4: The disciples looked at the place where Jesus once stood

292
00:19:37,520 --> 00:19:40,760
Speaker 4: in his place were two men clothed in white robes.

293
00:19:41,840 --> 00:19:43,920
Speaker 4: They smiled and stretched out their arms.

294
00:19:44,920 --> 00:19:48,520
Speaker 8: Jesus has been taken up into his dwelling place. He

295
00:19:48,560 --> 00:19:52,560
Speaker 8: will come back in the same manner. Be watchful, they said.

296
00:19:53,480 --> 00:19:57,880
Speaker 8: Peter nodded in agreement. He looked at the other ten disciples.

297
00:19:58,920 --> 00:20:02,760
Speaker 8: He looked at James and John. He nodded to Andrew,

298
00:20:02,840 --> 00:20:07,440
Speaker 8: his brother, and Philip. He placed his hand on Bartholomew

299
00:20:07,680 --> 00:20:11,720
Speaker 8: and gathered Matthew, Thomas, and James, the son of Alphaeus.

300
00:20:13,359 --> 00:20:17,959
Speaker 8: Thaddeus and Simon came in close as well. Peter felt

301
00:20:18,000 --> 00:20:22,560
Speaker 8: a deep fire within his belly. Jesus had gone, but

302
00:20:22,720 --> 00:20:26,840
Speaker 8: he was still present. His spirit dwelled within.

303
00:20:26,680 --> 00:20:32,960
Speaker 4: Him, ready to guide, convict, and empower him. Peter and

304
00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:37,080
Speaker 4: the ten Disciples looked to Jerusalem in the distance. The

305
00:20:37,119 --> 00:20:42,520
Speaker 4: wind howled as the final hints of light disappeared. Peter

306
00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:46,320
Speaker 4: closed his eyes, remembering the words Jesus spoke.

307
00:20:46,119 --> 00:20:49,040
Speaker 7: To him by the fire, tend to my sheep.

308
00:20:49,760 --> 00:20:53,640
Speaker 4: Peter opened his eyes and marched down the mountain. There

309
00:20:53,640 --> 00:20:56,520
Speaker 4: were sheep who needed to be tended to. There were

310
00:20:56,520 --> 00:21:00,240
Speaker 4: people lost in need of a shepherd. The disciple was

311
00:21:00,320 --> 00:21:04,760
Speaker 4: left with purpose power and love for God's people. He

312
00:21:04,920 --> 00:21:08,639
Speaker 4: empowered them to march down that mountain and reclaim the

313
00:21:08,640 --> 00:21:13,280
Speaker 4: people of God. They knew they were not alone. The

314
00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:17,320
Speaker 4: God of their ancestors walked beside them. The Great i

315
00:21:17,400 --> 00:21:21,280
Speaker 4: Am was with them. All the nations would soon hear

316
00:21:21,359 --> 00:21:25,639
Speaker 4: the story of the good Shepherd, the hero of scripture,

317
00:21:26,720 --> 00:21:30,040
Speaker 4: the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

318
00:21:35,320 --> 00:21:38,440
Speaker 3: There we have it. A beautiful end to a beautiful story,

319
00:21:38,680 --> 00:21:41,560
Speaker 3: the final page in a brilliant book. But it doesn't

320
00:21:41,600 --> 00:21:44,440
Speaker 3: feel like the end, does it. That's because it isn't.

321
00:21:44,840 --> 00:21:47,760
Speaker 3: The departure of Jesus isn't the end of anything, but

322
00:21:47,840 --> 00:21:52,199
Speaker 3: the beginning of everything. Jesus's ascension into heaven hearkens to

323
00:21:52,280 --> 00:21:55,280
Speaker 3: the dawn of a new era. The Son of God left,

324
00:21:55,560 --> 00:21:57,760
Speaker 3: making room for the Spirit of God to dwell and

325
00:21:57,800 --> 00:22:02,560
Speaker 3: work among his followers. Wasn't somber like the crucifixion because

326
00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:06,280
Speaker 3: Jesus's departure wasn't a death, but a sign of new life.

327
00:22:06,800 --> 00:22:09,000
Speaker 3: He left to prepare a place for us, and we

328
00:22:09,080 --> 00:22:11,639
Speaker 3: have his spirit dwelling in and among us for the

329
00:22:11,680 --> 00:22:15,520
Speaker 3: mission ahead. God never gives his commission without first giving

330
00:22:15,600 --> 00:22:19,280
Speaker 3: us his comfort. Jesus tended to his disciples hearts. Before

331
00:22:19,320 --> 00:22:23,320
Speaker 3: giving them the ultimate mission, he reminded them of His love, power,

332
00:22:23,520 --> 00:22:26,560
Speaker 3: and presence before calling them to go and make disciples.

333
00:22:27,160 --> 00:22:29,320
Speaker 3: You and I can take heart that God wants to

334
00:22:29,359 --> 00:22:33,439
Speaker 3: supply us with all the strength necessary to perform his purposes.

335
00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:37,160
Speaker 3: He won't leave us alone and confuse. That is why

336
00:22:37,200 --> 00:22:40,240
Speaker 3: we need a spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us into

337
00:22:40,280 --> 00:22:43,439
Speaker 3: all truth, directs our course, convicts us of sin, and

338
00:22:43,600 --> 00:22:46,680
Speaker 3: challenges us to live up to our calling. Jesus said

339
00:22:46,720 --> 00:22:49,639
Speaker 3: in John sixteen, I tell you the truth. It is

340
00:22:49,680 --> 00:22:51,919
Speaker 3: to your advantage that I go away. For if I

341
00:22:51,960 --> 00:22:54,840
Speaker 3: do not go away, the Spirit will not come to you.

342
00:22:55,200 --> 00:22:57,040
Speaker 3: But if I go, I will send him to you.

343
00:22:57,760 --> 00:23:00,159
Speaker 3: Jesus said it was better that he departs so that

344
00:23:00,240 --> 00:23:03,359
Speaker 3: he might have the Holy Spirit in his place. After

345
00:23:03,480 --> 00:23:06,359
Speaker 3: Jesus comforted and spent time with his disciples, he said,

346
00:23:06,840 --> 00:23:10,040
Speaker 3: meet me on the mountain above Galilee. We have talked

347
00:23:10,040 --> 00:23:12,880
Speaker 3: about a few different images that are commonly used in scripture.

348
00:23:13,320 --> 00:23:17,320
Speaker 3: Mountains are common motifs used by God. The ancient Hebrews

349
00:23:17,320 --> 00:23:19,680
Speaker 3: believe that Eden was set on a high place where

350
00:23:19,720 --> 00:23:23,600
Speaker 3: heaven and Earth converged in beautiful harmony. That is why

351
00:23:23,680 --> 00:23:26,720
Speaker 3: many major events in the Bible took place on mountains.

352
00:23:27,200 --> 00:23:30,560
Speaker 3: Noah's ark settled on a mountain after the flood. Abraham

353
00:23:30,560 --> 00:23:34,080
Speaker 3: marched up a mountain to sacrifice Isaac. In our Prelude,

354
00:23:34,119 --> 00:23:37,000
Speaker 3: Moses met the Burning Bush tucked between two canyons and

355
00:23:37,040 --> 00:23:41,240
Speaker 3: a mountain. Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

356
00:23:41,800 --> 00:23:44,760
Speaker 3: David captured the area known as Mount Zion where the

357
00:23:44,800 --> 00:23:48,399
Speaker 3: temple was built. Elijah called fire down from Heaven on

358
00:23:48,480 --> 00:23:52,119
Speaker 3: Mount Carmo. Jesus's greatest sermon on the Kingdom of God

359
00:23:52,280 --> 00:23:55,879
Speaker 3: was given on a mountain. Jesus was transfigured on a mountain,

360
00:23:55,920 --> 00:23:58,720
Speaker 3: and his glory was shown to Peter James and John.

361
00:23:59,400 --> 00:24:01,840
Speaker 3: Jesus was rested to die on the Mount of Olives.

362
00:24:02,480 --> 00:24:04,919
Speaker 3: Jesus marched up a hill of Golgotha to die for

363
00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:08,440
Speaker 3: the sins of humanity, and finally, on the mountain range

364
00:24:08,440 --> 00:24:12,520
Speaker 3: of Galilee, Jesus ascended into Heaven. The Bible is our

365
00:24:12,560 --> 00:24:15,359
Speaker 3: mountain a high place for us to meet God and

366
00:24:15,480 --> 00:24:18,800
Speaker 3: hear from the heart of Heaven. Five hundred people witnessed

367
00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:20,960
Speaker 3: the risen Lord, and many of them met with the

368
00:24:21,040 --> 00:24:24,639
Speaker 3: disciples on the mountain to see Jesus depart on the

369
00:24:24,720 --> 00:24:27,920
Speaker 3: high place where heaven and Earth converged. The first church

370
00:24:28,040 --> 00:24:31,359
Speaker 3: service took place. They sang his name and proclaimed his

371
00:24:31,480 --> 00:24:35,480
Speaker 3: mighty works to the heavens. Hallelujah. They sang Hallelujah to

372
00:24:35,520 --> 00:24:38,040
Speaker 3: the Son of David. For the first time in history,

373
00:24:38,080 --> 00:24:40,480
Speaker 3: a group of people gathered to worship the risen King.

374
00:24:40,920 --> 00:24:43,639
Speaker 3: They sang his praises and spoke of his glory and grace.

375
00:24:44,119 --> 00:24:47,080
Speaker 3: Their songs of hope and salvation would resonate for a

376
00:24:47,160 --> 00:24:51,280
Speaker 3: thousand generations. People of all creeds, cultures, and tongues would

377
00:24:51,280 --> 00:24:54,840
Speaker 3: gather together for the sole purpose of worshiping the risen Christ.

378
00:24:55,320 --> 00:24:57,240
Speaker 3: His name would be on their lips, and his mighty

379
00:24:57,280 --> 00:24:59,840
Speaker 3: deeds would be proclaimed into the heavens. Every time you,

380
00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:01,840
Speaker 3: you and I meet at church or in our homes

381
00:25:01,880 --> 00:25:04,600
Speaker 3: to worship, we are attempting to capture a moment like

382
00:25:04,680 --> 00:25:07,480
Speaker 3: this where our songs to God unite us and our

383
00:25:07,520 --> 00:25:11,000
Speaker 3: love for Jesus empowers us. When the singing was finished,

384
00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:14,119
Speaker 3: the mountains began to tremble. We were taken back to

385
00:25:14,200 --> 00:25:18,040
Speaker 3: the prelude, when the presence of God was tangible and spectacular.

386
00:25:18,640 --> 00:25:22,400
Speaker 3: Jesus began his ascension, giving his disciples one final charge.

387
00:25:22,840 --> 00:25:26,640
Speaker 3: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them

388
00:25:26,680 --> 00:25:29,080
Speaker 3: in the name of the Father, the Son, and the

389
00:25:29,080 --> 00:25:31,560
Speaker 3: Holy Spirit. This calling is carried out by you and

390
00:25:31,640 --> 00:25:35,520
Speaker 3: me every day, with every act of compassion, moment of love,

391
00:25:35,720 --> 00:25:39,720
Speaker 3: and intentional conversation. We do not embark on this mission alone.

392
00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:42,800
Speaker 3: We have the comforting presence of Jesus in our hearts,

393
00:25:43,080 --> 00:25:46,359
Speaker 3: and we have the community of God in our lives. Hallelujah.

394
00:25:46,920 --> 00:25:49,520
Speaker 3: Thank you for joining me on this journey through the

395
00:25:49,560 --> 00:25:52,440
Speaker 3: life and ministry of Jesus. I know in my heart

396
00:25:52,520 --> 00:25:55,800
Speaker 3: that nobody can interact with the story of Jesus and

397
00:25:55,920 --> 00:25:59,080
Speaker 3: leave unchanged in some way. I pray these stories of

398
00:25:59,119 --> 00:26:02,719
Speaker 3: God's goodness and glory have encouraged your hearts and enriched

399
00:26:02,720 --> 00:26:05,640
Speaker 3: your souls. I pray and hope you learn more about

400
00:26:05,720 --> 00:26:08,800
Speaker 3: God's love and his plan for the nations. I also

401
00:26:08,960 --> 00:26:12,320
Speaker 3: pray you take on the character of Jesus, moving forward

402
00:26:12,440 --> 00:26:15,040
Speaker 3: every day to make an impact like he did. May

403
00:26:15,080 --> 00:26:18,359
Speaker 3: the God of all creation bless you, keep you and

404
00:26:18,440 --> 00:26:21,480
Speaker 3: empower you for the journey ahead. May his grace give

405
00:26:21,520 --> 00:26:24,760
Speaker 3: you strength, and may his truth convict your heart. Amen.

406
00:26:25,400 --> 00:26:28,320
Speaker 3: Thank you again for joining me on this incredible series

407
00:26:28,359 --> 00:26:33,000
Speaker 3: about Jesus. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom

408
00:26:33,000 --> 00:26:35,840
Speaker 3: to last a lifetime, go to pray dot com. And

409
00:26:35,920 --> 00:26:39,119
Speaker 3: to expand your heroes in the Bible journey, download the

410
00:26:39,200 --> 00:26:43,000
Speaker 3: Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward

411
00:26:43,040 --> 00:26:46,480
Speaker 3: slash Heroes. Share this podcast with a family member or

412
00:26:46,520 --> 00:26:49,600
Speaker 3: friend so they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way.

413
00:26:50,119 --> 00:26:52,359
Speaker 3: You never know how great of an impact the Bible

414
00:26:52,440 --> 00:26:55,879
Speaker 3: and this podcast can have on someone's life. God bless