Jesus ascended into heaven where he still acts and still speaks through his followers, through his church.  But how do we know what he wants us to do?  How do we know what he wants us to say?  In part, the answer is through his Word.

In Acts 1:15-26, Peter recognizes that Judas abandoned his role as an apostle, as was predicted in Psalm 69:25.  He then finds guidance in the Word.  Psalm 109:8 instructs them to replace Judas. 

The main point I want to make is that they found guidance in the Word.  The Word told them what Jesus wanted them to do.  And so the Word tells us what Jesus wants us to do. 

As we gather together as local churches to study the Word together, Jesus is speaking to us, telling us what he wants us to do and say.  As we hear the Word taught and preached, Jesus is giving us our marching orders.  And as we faithfully respond to what his Word tells us, Jesus is acting and speaking through us. 

As we gather together around the Word, let us then be careful to listen attentively and respond appropriately so that we might be the hands and tongue of Jesus.