Scripture Reading(s)
Acts 1:1-11
1:1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning
1:2 until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
1:3 After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
1:4 While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me;
1:5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
1:6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?”
1:7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority.
1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
1:9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
1:10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them.
1:11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Reflections
This was a pivotal moment in the disciples lives. It marked the beginning of a profound moment in which the disciples were about to receive a gift that would empower, encourage, protect and guide them throughout their journey of spreading the Gospel of Christ. The Holy Spirit was coming as a means to do all that and more.
The disciples were about to experience unshakable peace and their faith was about to be strengthened. Jesus had promised that He would never leave them. Through the giving of the Holy Spirit the disciples would not be alone and continually feel the presence of Christ with them even though He would not physically be there.
I love the powerful and intensity that we see being displayed here. I also love how the promise of receiving the Holy Spirit did not end up with them. That same promise is extended to those of us who choose to believe in the name of Jesus Christ and accept Him to become our Lord and Savior. At the point of conversion, we too have the privilege of receiving the Holy Spirit that will lead, guide, equip and encourage us to live the Christian life.
One day we will all spend eternity with Christ and will be able to see and praise Him face to face. Until then, we know that we still have full access to our Savior through the work of the Holy Spirit that will lead and guide us into doing what God has in store for us. This is such a blessing in the Christian life and is one that we should daily be thankful for. Let us walk boldly in our faith, knowing that we have a Savior who loves, cares and guides us through each and every step we take.
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:16)
The disciples seem to not really understand Jesus’ message even after He was crucified and rose from the grave. The disciples were constantly preoccupied with the idea that Jesus is going to establish a physical reign in their midst and that they would be of some prominence.
But Jesus had other plans. He send the Holy Spirit and filled them with power so they could be witnesses. Indeed, when Jesus does establish His earthly reign those who are His witnesses here in the earth will be seated with Jesus. Our reward is in heaven. But in order to get there we have to walk in the Spirit of God and pursue the gospel at all costs.
We will encounter push back and opposition. That is to be expected. But like the disciples we will have the Spirit directing us and giving us blondness .
[Featured image from charlestinsley.wordpress.com]