Stroll Through Scripture for April 7, 2024

Based on Acts 1:1–14

The resurrection has taken place. Now what? That’s probably what was going through the minds of Jesus’ early followers. Regardless of the fact that Jesus told his closest followers at least three times what was going to happen, they just never got it. But are we any different? How many times does Jesus tell us love our enemies, care for the poor, welcome the stranger, get rid of things that get in the way of our relationship with God and others, and more? And how many times do we humans, at least collectively, ignore Jesus or twist his words to the exact opposite of what he calls on followers to do? The answer seems to be almost non-stop.

And so this second Sunday of Easter offers us a reading that hits these topics. The author of Acts tells us what is essentially part two of the Gospel of Luke. He gives us a quick summary in the first paragraph to catch up to speed. It reminds me of the scrolling text across the screen of the Star Wars movies.

From there, we jump to the Ascension of Jesus — 40 days after the Resurrection of Jesus. Jesus makes this final appearance to his disciples with some final instructions. But first, the disciples still don’t seem to get it. They ask Jesus — “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom of Israel?” They are still more interested in a political earthly kingdom than in what Jesus has been concerned about all along. How often do we put our hope in earthly things that come and go, rather than in eternal things? Maybe…