THE LEADERSHIP VACUUM
Acts 1:8-11 then later 12-26
GETTING STARTED:
- Earlier in this chapter – Jesus has focused the disciples on the mission ahead. It will not be the establishment of an earthly kingdom in Israel – where they rule in Jerusalem. That day will be in the Father’s hands. Instead – they will receive power through the Holy Spirit and they will – as the Lord’s witnesses – take the Gospel to the world. As His witnesses, they will establish the everlasting Kingdom of God.
- In this lesson – Jesus will ascend into heaven and the disciples must navigate life without the direction of Jesus or the coming empowerment and direction of the Holy Spirit. There is a genuine leadership vacuum. BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS COMING – AND THEY ARE FAITHFULLY WAITING.
1. JESUS ASCENDS INTO HEAVEN. Acts 1:9-11.
- When I read this – it makes me wonder how long the disciples would have stayed there looking into the heavens had the two white robed men – likely angels – not confronted them. They were used to following Jesus – but now He is gone – and what will they do?
- There is a great promise – that Jesus will return someday – in the manner you saw him leave. That’s a powerful promise. Now the disciples must live between the present – where they are now and the promise – when Jesus returns. That is why they will need the empowerment and leading of the Holy Spirit.
LESSON: We live in our present time – looking for the same Jesus to come back again. Like the disciples we also need the power and the leadership that the Holy Spirit brings to our life. We can’t spend our life staring into space – time to live faithfully for Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. DECISION MAKING WITHOUT JESUS OR THE HOLY SPIRIT. Acts 1:12-26
- Peter takes the lead on the issue of who will replace Judas. They do confer with scripture – which is good. But the how is unusual. They cast lots. This method will never be used again in decision-making in the church. When the Holy Spirit comes – He will guide the direction and decision making of the church.
- What gets them through this brief period is obedience. They continue to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit. There is a deep desire in their hearts for the Holy Spirit to take over leadership. Yes – the disciples will be empowered key leaders – but it will be the Holy Spirit leading.
MAKE SURE YOU DON’T HAVE A LEADERSHIP VACUUM – LET THE SPIRIT LEAD.