I’m super excited about walking through the Book of Acts together. Think of it as Luke Part Two. Our reading today bridges the two books together as we see a review of how Luke ended. Television shows often do that as a way of reminding the viewer of what happened last, so you can pick up where the story line left off.
We also learned that Jesus spent time over a 40 day period with his apostles between his death and ascension. These special times provided great preparation for the work they were being called to do. The concept of the Holy Spirit was still new to them and hard for them to grasp. It is still a challenge for us today to truly understand the work of the Holy Spirit. As we walk through the Book of Acts, I am hopeful we will all truly be filled with a new understanding of this great power that lives within us.
The apostles were still questioning when Jesus was going to renew the kingdom. It was believed the expected Messiah would bring restoration with a mighty hand. Jesus’ ministry did not look like that, and this explains why many Jews have have difficulty believing their Messiah has already come. We often expect God to move in a certain way, and when he does something else, even more magnificent, we may not truly appreciate it. Do you ever get caught up in the details?
The other new piece of information we gather from our continuation is that two men appeared to the apostles after Jesus ascended. We are all given a clue to the future. Jesus is going to return. He will return from heaven just as they saw him go. We need to be ready for that day. Jesus told his disciples only “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.”
Jesus told them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit and of their assignment to tell the world about Jesus. We have that same assignment and the same Holy Spirit. We will take some lessons in the days ahead from those that started the Christian movement. Those first followers of Jesus carved a path for us. We can learn from them, their mistakes and successes.
Like we do in other areas of our life, we look to the experts. Don’t try to recreate the wheel so to speak. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, it is always good to return to your roots and see where it all began. With Jesus. Our eyes should always focus on him. Jesus is the Word, and the Word was with God. The Word is God. (John 1:1) I hope you’re as excited as I am about what God is going to reveal to us as we begin this journey through Acts together.
Write down one goal you have for your faith. You can revisit that when we conclude the Book of Acts, 28 Chapters from now.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for what you have done for me, and how you have equipped me with the power I need to learn, grow, and share with the world about you. Your story is not dead, it is alive in me. I look forward to the new chapters you continue write in my life. Help me be a good steward of the gifts you have given and the wisdom you impart. Open my eyes so that I can help others to see your truths. Use this time of reflection as a way to cleanse me and move me into a deeper relationship with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
