Today we celebrate and honor our high school seniors, but it is also a time of reflection. What an exciting time for families, friends, and those who are celebrating graduating, not just high school, but also college, and even new endeavors in each of our lives. Today is a day we set aside to highlight the high school seniors who have graduated this year, and acknowledge the milestone that was accomplished by each of them. It is something that when we talk about certain milestones such as weddings, starting a career, having children, and even graduating high school, pushes each of us to remember what it was like when we went through that moment. The things we knew, the things we thought we knew, the dream each of us had, and even the fears that we were too scared to admit.
Those same feelings have gone through time, generation after generation, and it reminds us that we are connected, and there is value in reflecting, and there is value in looking back to remember our own mistakes, and to encourage those in the current season to dream, to dream bigger than we did. One thing we are tempted to do for people who are graduating is to express our fears, we tend to speak about our fears, as if everything that happened to us is going to happen to them, We forget each person is an individual, and God uses the individuals in life to connect people to His Son Jesus Christ. But God also strengthens each individual in His unique way to highlight the gifts, talents, and value in a person.
Today is our last sermon, or more of a devotion this morning, in What Do You See? Maybe he should better question those who have graduated already is what did you see, compared to what you wanted to see? For the three seniors who are taking the next step in their journey, the question remains this morning- what do you see? What is ahead of you- is the plan that you feel God has for you, or is it someone else’s dream? Have you listened to culture to tell you what you should do and how you should act, or is the relationship with Jesus Christ that is guiding you into a deeper understanding of Jesus in your life?
This morning, as we look at Acts 1, what we will see maybe with fresh eyes, or a simple reminder; that CHANGE happens, and it is through Change we can see God’s hand in our life.
Faith Isn’t Static or Stuck in the Past; Faith Is a Journey of Change
Acts 1:1-11
Change isn’t the End; it is a New Beginning in Jesus Christ
Waiting on God’s Promise is Never Wasted Time
The Holy Spirit Equips Us
The Questions We Ask Reveal Our Hearts
God’s Plans are not Always Ours to Understand, but They are Always Perfect
We Are Jesus’ Witnesses Without Borders Who Cross Cultural Boundaries
Change Brings Nervous Excitement
Today it does not matter what stage of life you find yourself, what matters is recognizing that change happens. So here are a few big thoughts about the excitement of change.
Personal Growth – We get excited when we see a transformation in our own lives. Think about starting a new fitness journey or learning a new skill. The excitement of change comes when we can look back and see how far we’ve come. Just like how we eagerly anticipate the growth we see in ourselves, the disciples were excited about the growth of God’s Kingdom, knowing that they were about to take part in something far bigger than themselves.
Family Milestones – Change is also exciting when it comes to family. From a child’s first steps to a graduation or a wedding, these milestones symbolize progress and transformation. In the same way, the disciples were about to see the birth of the Church, a milestone that would change the world forever.
New Opportunities – We get excited when new opportunities open up for us. Whether it’s a job offer, a new relationship, or a chance to serve in a new way, change brings hope and possibility. The disciples were excited about the mission ahead—the opportunity to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The Hope of Jesus’ Return – Finally, the angels remind the disciples that change is not over. Jesus will return, and the best is yet to come. This anticipation of the return of Christ is something we should be excited about as believers, knowing that the ultimate change will be when we are reunited with Him.
As we reflect on the excitement that comes with embracing change, I want to encourage you to think about what change looks like in your life. Change is often intimidating, but it’s also filled with the promise of growth, transformation, and new opportunities. Just as the disciples experienced a dramatic change in their lives after Jesus ascended into heaven, we, too, are called to embrace the change that God is bringing into our lives.
Now, I want you to think for a moment about your legacy—your family lineage, your spiritual history. Many of us are proud of our family histories, whether our great-grandparents fought in wars or accomplished incredible feats in their lifetimes. Maybe your family has a history of leadership, success, or even overcoming struggles. But I want to ask you today: What will your legacy be in terms of your faith?
