Summer Mixtape- Ascension People
Summer Mixed Tape-Ascension People
Acts 1:1-11
Recap
This Sunday we explored one of the most overlooked moments in the story of Jesus: the Ascension.
Too often we move straight from Easter to Pentecost, forgetting that Jesus' ascension is far more than His departure. It is His enthronement. The risen Christ now reigns over all creation.
That changes the way we live.
The disciples wanted answers about the future, but Jesus redirected their attention. Instead of trying to control what only God could control, they were called to trust His timing, wait for the Holy Spirit, and faithfully bear witness to the world around them.
As Randy reminded us, the Ascension means we don't have to carry what only Jesus can carry.
Go a Little Deeper
One of the most surprising parts of Acts 1 is the disciples' question: "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"
After everything they had seen—the cross, the resurrection, and forty days with the risen Jesus—they were still hoping Jesus would fulfill their expectations. It's easy to smile at their misunderstanding until we recognize ourselves in the story.
Most of us don't struggle because we doubt God's power. We struggle because we have a hard time surrendering our preferred outcomes. We want clarity before obedience. We want certainty before trust. We want to know where the story is going before we're willing to turn the page.
But Jesus doesn't answer their question. Instead, He gives them a calling. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses..."
In other words, don't worry about what belongs to God. Be faithful with what belongs to you. The Ascension reminds us that Jesus is Lord. That means the future is His responsibility—not ours. Our calling is not to control the outcome but to faithfully participate in what God is doing today.
Discussion Questions
What stood out to you most from Sunday's message?
Where do you most often feel the pressure to control outcomes instead of trusting Jesus?
Randy said, "The Ascension isn't Jesus leaving. It's Jesus reigning." How does that change the way you think about your current circumstances?
Why do you think waiting is often one of the hardest parts of following Jesus?
What might it look like for you to become more of an "Ascension person" this week?
Suggested Practice
This week, spend a few minutes each morning praying through one simple question: "Jesus, what belongs to me today, and what belongs to You?" As situations arise throughout the day, pause before reacting.
When you notice yourself becoming anxious, frustrated, or trying to force an outcome, quietly remind yourself: "Jesus is Lord, and I am not."
Then ask yourself one more question: "What is the next faithful step I can take?"
Sometimes that step will be making a phone call, offering forgiveness, having a difficult conversation, or simply waiting patiently instead of rushing ahead.
At the end of each day, spend a few minutes reflecting:
Where did I experience the temptation to control?
Was I able to release anything to Jesus?
How did trusting Him change my attitude or actions?
Where did I notice peace replacing anxiety?
The goal isn't passivity. It's learning to live with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing Christ is already reigning.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You that You are not absent from this world but alive and reigning over it. Forgive us for the ways we try to carry burdens that belong only to You. Teach us to trust Your timing, to wait for Your Spirit, and to faithfully take the next step You place before us. Free us from anxiety, deepen our confidence in Your reign, and help us live as people whose hope rests in You.
Amen.