Acts 1:1-4

Christ ascending into heaven was a life-changing event.  Life changing events occur, but not often.  Graduations, marriage, entering a new job, and the birth of a first child are all happy life-changing events.  By life changing, I mean events that change almost everything about us, who we are, how we think and how we live.  These times can be stressful, while at the same time they are exciting.  When Christ left, everything changed for his disciples.

Before, He was the teacher and they were the students.  Now they faced the responsibility of becoming teachers.  I am sure it must have been overwhelming; there was still so much they did not understand.  Christ had been healing the sick and feeding the hungry.  Now those in need would be turning to the Disciples of Christ.  What would they do?  How could they live up to the example he had given them?

Only 40 days before, they had gathered in despair.  Christ was dead, and they did not know what to do.  Christ appeared of them, and convinced them beyond any doubt that His father had resurrected Him.  Having convinced them of the truth of the resurrection, he continued to teach them about the kingdom of God.  Christ had begun His work, but now they must continue His work.

Each of the remaining 11 disciples would deal with this change in their own way.  Each would have to come to terms with what being faithful would cost them.  They knew that if God did not spare his own son, being faithful might cost their own lives.  Some had gone back to their boats when they thought Christ was dead, but now they knew that fishing would never be their primary vocation again.  They were no longer common workers; they were builders of the kingdom of God.

As new Christians, we are happy just to learn and to follow.  We are not new Christians forever.  God calls us to build His kingdom.  When we answer that call, it will be life changing.