He was waiting for us, just as he promised. It was sunrise on the hill overlooking Lazarus’ home.

       We had arrived the night before and stayed with Lazarus and his sisters. They told us that Jesus had been there earlier, but they hadn’t seen him for a few days.

       All eleven of us were there. Like the others who had chosen to follow Jesus, we planned on being in Jerusalem for Pentecost just like he asked. Stopping in Bethany was our norm, but we were wondering why Jesus wanted to meet us and what today would bring, but all we could do was guess.

       “Thanks for coming, guys. I know it’s early, but today is my last day here, and I wanted to spend this time with you. It’s been a great three years, we’ve come so far, and you will go further still.”

       “Is this it?” The Zealot was the first to speak, “Is it finally time for you to set Israel free and establish your kingdom?”

       “Simon, how many times have I told you, only the Father knows those timelines? It’s not for you to know. Imagine how that would change your outlook on life if you had that knowledge.

       “You are to continue to do what I called you to do in the beginning. I have been given all authority in heaven and here on earth. And I’m giving you that authority.

“I want you to tell people about me. Everywhere there are people. Here, in Samaria and places, you can’t even imagine going. Teach them to obey the things I taught you, and baptize them, in my name, in the name of the Father and the Holy Spirit.

“Anyone who believes what you teach and chooses to be baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”

“But why would they listen to us?” Thomas always asked the questions the rest of us were only thinking about.

       “Because, when the Holy Spirit comes, he’s coming with all the power you will need. The power to conquer your fears and the power to proclaim my name.

And be sure of this: through the power of the Spirit, I will always be with you, right to the very end.

       “There are more than a hundred of my followers waiting to join you in Jerusalem. I want you to stay there until the Father fulfills his promise. It won’t be long.

“John baptized me with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and then the adventure will begin.”

       And then, just like that, he was gone.