Message (06/29/08)

Acts 1:6-8
Carried Beyond Our Limitations
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Introduction: We’re living in the world of limitation. Though we tried enough of extending the cords to minimize it, still we have limitation at least of another kind. However, beyond our limitations, God has a bigger, wider, and brighter picture for our life in Jesus Christ. Our passage indicates how their Jewish nationalism had confined the disciples in a small box (v. 6). In response, Jesus pointed out the limitations of their knowledge and experience to fully comprehend God’s plan in history (v. 7). However, in spite of their imperfect knowledge, Jesus dreamed of the better, bigger, wider, stronger, brighter future of the disciples, knowing the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit among them on His behalf (v. 8).

Power from Above: To go beyond our limitations, we do not have yet better reasons or advanced technologies. However, there’s a way by following God’s own way—that is by the Holy Spirit who indwells and empowers us. Holy Spirit is going to be the power-source in our lives (v. 8a). Power means strength or force in physical sense, ability or capability in terms of profession, and even authority and power in another sense. So, Jesus said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” It’s simple but enough for the disciples to go far beyond their limitations—the valley of their fear, their limited knowledge and strength, etc.

A New Way of Life: Then, what is the essence or value of to go beyond the limit (i.e., to show up, to claim seats, etc?)? The reason is that everyone might be the living witnesses of Jesus Christ (v. 8b). The choice word “be” in this sentence indicates that this is about our being not only doing. Our life [present existence] should always be a good witness to Jesus, bringing praise and glory to Him. This is the true nature of martyr-lifestyle. Therefore, this power should be exercised to live a new way of life that turns away from self-directed lifestyle to a life of Christ-centeredness. Yes, this beyond-natural power is promised so that we may live for Christ completely.

Unto the End of the Earth: Further to this spiritual experience, Jesus gave the disciples a broader future [and even bigger land to harvest], driving their thoughts and imaginations beyond the land of Judea unto the farthermost parts of the earth (v. 8c). The three-four geographical names in the passage indicate the gradual advancement of their future missions and progression to reach even beyond their natural limitations. Yes, this bigger picture of life is the inheritance of Spirit-transformed and empowered life. So, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit, let us say “the world is my parish.”

We are living in the world of various limitations—i.e., time and space, rule and regulation, knowledge and experience, etc. While modern technologies and sciences are trying to push the line, there’re still various human limitations displaying on the screen. However, with God, the early handful poor Christians broke the line and pushed it beyond their limitations. This is by the power of the Holy Spirit, the unseen guest of their daily lives. By taking the words of Jesus and turning to live His way, let us also expect the fresh re-enforcement from God by the same Spirit to extend our business and all our careers, our vision and goal, and our lives and strength to a broader and wider sphere for His name’s sake!