Is it Time, Lord?   

     Jesus was with his disciples for the last time before he returned to the Father, 40 days after his resurrection. All his followers are descendants of Abraham. 

     He commanded them: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised... For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 

     As if that shockwave blew right over their heads, what they really wanted to know: "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" - Acts 1:6

     He answered, It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria 

...so far so good...

and to the ends of the earth.  

     "Whoa!" they might have howled. We agreed to follow him...here in Judea. We didn't sign up for this! Where is the end, anyway? Rome?  Egypt? Babylon? Are there Jews we didn't know about at the ends of the earth? And what is "baptized by the Holy Spirit?"  

     Jesus was miraculously taken up before their eyes. Maybe he will return soon and explain everything.

     Two angels miraculously appeared with them, saying, "This same Jesus ... will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

     Oh, good. That's a relief. He'll be back!  

     Meanwhile, all they can do is trust and obey.

Monday: The Gentile investigator