The Same: Yesterday, Today, Forever

Google recently changed their blogging format. Not a tremendous change, but change, nonetheless. A few weeks ago, I logged on. There was the message: "Try the new blah, blah, blah." I've been around long enough to know what that means -- "Sayonara familiar; seeya later comfortable. Things are about to change!" And chances are, you're not gonna like it. But they never do tell you that up front, do they? There is a reason we don't like change. Sameness is the way we've always done it. Sameness is "normal." Sameness is easy. Sameness is like a pair of worn out cutoffs or running shoes with more than a few hundred miles on them. Sameness is the camping trip you've taken with friends every year for the last decade. Sameness means you wake up and, even if everyday so far has been pretty awful, today is going to be just like them. Crazy, right? But people generally do not like bad surprises, and, if the week's been a train wreck so far, who wants to chance it getting any worse? If it's gonna go down in flames, at least you know what you're dealing with. Besides, you set your expectations low, and if something surprisingly wonderful happens, YEEHAW!

Our ladies' Bible study has just started digging into the Book of Acts. It begins with Jesus preparing His apostles for His departure. Change. These disciples had traveled with Him, shared meals with Him, and seen some amazing things, as all the while Jesus prepared them for His death and resurrection. Change even Peter openly rejected. But, they'd gotten through it. Everything Jesus had told them was true. From the garden to the grave to His glorious reappearing -- life was as it should be again. Until...

In Acts 1, Jesus tells them to wait. Wait. For change. Are there two more difficult concepts in all of humanity? Jesus talks about being awash with, immersed in the Holy Spirit. He says they will receive power. They will be witnesses "to the ends of the earth." And, He's gone. Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait! You mean You're not sticking around until the Spirit gets here?!

Our 17 YO has made some questionable decisions of late because, well, that's what 17 YOs do. Momma Bird has had to step back and let her handle it. The littles just received the responsibility speech earlier today when I warned them the next time they leave toys someplace we will not be returning to retrieve them. Various stages of nest cleaning. And it is hard! But strength and focus doesn't grow in the downy warmth of the nest. Momma's gotta give 'em a nudge now and again to make those wings strong. They don't like it, and neither do I. Change.

And it's time for the disciples to leave the nest. Verses 10 and 11, tell us "as He (Jesus) went up," the disciples were looking toward heaven, and two men (probably angels) asked, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?" On previous readings, I've imagined the apostles, open-mouthed, feet planted, perplexed for minutes after Jesus had disappeared from view. That doesn't seem to be correct. Luke, the author of Acts, says, "as He went up." Could it be Jesus was still visible when the disciples were told to get moving? We're burnin' daylight here, fellas! Weren't you told to do something? No time for sameness here.

But, God is so good! These angels reassure the disciples that Jesus is coming again. In fact, their words are, "This same Jesus." I love that! This same Jesus who created stars and the coatimundi and waterfalls, has heard your prayers and is creating a new heart in your husband today. This same Jesus who healed and forgave and cast out demons, is working on behalf of your ailing mother right now. This same Jesus who today sits at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for those who serve Him, sees and hears as you intercede for your daughter. This same Jesus who was with you when you were sick with a cold  is with you in cancer. This same Jesus who heard your cry for help when your bank account was less than zero is making a way for you to help others right now. This same Jesus who proved He holds power over sin and death holds that same power today. This same Jesus is alive and waiting for His Father to say the word, and He will return. This same Jesus, who never changes.

"This same Jesus," was, I'm certain, hope for these early apostles. "This same Jesus," is hope for us today.