Acts...

So, here's the deal: My friend Ben Wright, youth minister in Paintsville, KY is putting together a very neat project.  February has 28 days, Acts has 28 chapters. He has selected 28 writers who will each write about a chapter. One chapter a day. A one month study of Acts.  Here's the link to read all about it http://drivenministry.wordpress.com/2011/01/14/hello-world/ and so you can join in.  He assigned me chapter 1 - so here's my little bit: Acts 1

The hub, the moment. We all have those moments that we get excited about. Those times we build up to - the big game, the show, the sale, the event, the date - that moment.  Then there’s the day before. When you can’t wait and you start thinking, has everything been thought of? Did I take care of all the details? Have I forgotten anything?

But it’s Acts 2 that’s called the hub of the Bible. If so Acts 1 is the warm up act.  The day before.  I love how Peter describes it...prophets inquired, angels peeked (1 Peter 1:10-12, dad said that was ‘like angels standing on the tiptoes trying to see it all happen.”

As Luke picks up his pen again (I wonder how long it is between Luke 24 and Acts 1), he says, “I’ve already written you an all-time best seller about the greatest life ever lived. Now I want to tell you about some of the results of this life and how you can and should respond to it.”  He reminds them that the resurrection was substantiated by “many infallible proofs.”  I love that word “infallible”, it could actually be a one word description of the life of our Lord.

The outline of Acts is found in 1:8. It is the story of the apostles being witnesses of the life of Christ and it’s implications in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and then throughout the world.  But wait, this text is before they had really done anything - in fact this is the Lord’s game plan, His strategy, His marching orders to the 11, soon to be 12.  Then He accentuates His point by making an exit like none other.  Surely this served as assurance (if they in fact needed any) of who they were serving with.

Now, one last thing to “check off the list” before “the day fully” comes.  The place of Judas must be filled.  Judas who hanged himself and fell bursting his probably bloated body asunder. Judas whose “filthy gotten gain” purchased a field. Judas who had gone “to his own place.”

Two are identified, one is selected with the belief that the Lord and wisdom intervened in the process. Some identify Barsabus with Barnabas - regardless it is obvious he is a quality man.

This done - now it’s time for the moment that all time has awaited!