The Book of Acts is widely thought of as a brief history of the way the early church got started after Jesus left the earth. Here we find the story of Jesus’ final farewell to his disciples. We learn the story of the first Pentecost, when the promised Holy Spirit arrives to guide the fledgling disciples. Then we move through countless stories of new converts, life in the new community, and the conversion of Paul. This is truly an important book for the church to study.

We begin today at the beginning, where Jesus says his final goodbye to the disciples. They want to know when the time will come for the restored kingdom. Jesus tells them it is not for them to know the time. We ask the question, “Is it time?” not to defy Jesus, but to turn the query toward us. Is it time we began acting like the church? Is it time for us to pay attention to Jesus’ call? Is it time for us to listen to the voice from heaven that speaks to each one of us? Is it time?

We stand here, watching Jesus ascend into heaven. Let us consider what it means for him to have left us here to care for his people. Let us consider what we should do as we wait for his return.