Matthew 28:16-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:3-11 -- Have you ever noticed that the last words someone says to you are the ones you really remember? Perhaps that's exactly how God wired us. Three different accounts of Jesus' last words or actions towards His original followers and us. But honestly aren't these the same words that He spoke to them for 3 years. That now they were the ones that would carry the message; that in His leaving, God the Father would send the Spirit. That we to be His witnesses where ever we travel.
The original disciples got something out of this that I think we often miss. "Authority" We go with His authority, we go because He goes before us, we go because He's got our backs. But do we? You see for many of us; we don't go because we don't want to go alone or feel like we're alone. We don't go because we want people to accept us or include us. We don't go because; well, I'm really busy right now. We don't go because of a global pandemic or a politically divided climate. We just don't go.
Notice with me that not once are we given an excuse for not going. Not once are we told, just wait until this or that blows over and then go. Friends, please understand this is not me pointing fingers at anyone but myself.
You know as a pastor I have stood by too many beds watching and waiting for someone to pass. I often think to myself, knowing they are more in heaven than they are on earth, what is it that they are experiencing right now? Is it the beauty and provision of eternity prepared by Jesus? I don't know; but verse 11 of Acts 1 reminds me that even while I stand and watch them go; I too am called to go. Go and declare the GOOD news of Jesus. Last words; not of One who is dying but from One who is alive forevermore. The very thing that all of us, who have trusted in Jesus, will experience. Life eternal.
These are the only last words any of us really need; because they are the best words ever. Go!!! Because one day He will return to judge those who went and those that just waited for things to easier, or less chaotic, or less hostile. Go!!!