We can’t leave Luke without reminding ourselves of the task Jesus left us with. We said yesterday that the work is hard: some believe, some don’t. God has to be involved. But even so, Jesus was clear:

[Jesus said, ] “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24.46 – 49, ESV)

“…repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” I’ll never forget what Lorne Sanny, second president of The Navigators, told the staff in 2003:

Why did he say, “starting from Jerusalem”? Because that’s where they were. You certainly cannot change the world starting from where you are not! – Lorne Sanny, President of The Navigators, 1956 – 1986.

Starting from where you are is always a good word:

And don’t be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there…Friends, stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side. (1 Corinthians 7.17, 24, MSG)

And we’ll serve in his power: “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” (Acts 1.8, MSG)