To get our heads right to walk through the Book of Acts, we need to put ourselves back into the story. Luke picks up right where his gospel leaves off. We’re in those early days following Jesus’ resurrection when everything was just a little unclear. Jesus had been teaching one day and then killed the next. Just like he said, Jesus was brought back to life and spent more time with his friends.
The Book of Acts will take us on a journey through the early days of the Christian church as Jesus’ followers spread the news just as He told them to do. The whole mission relied on one thing for success—the coming of the Holy Spirit.
I can almost picture Jesus’ followers huddled together trying to come up with a plan. They were still dazed into thinking that Jesus’ purpose was to restore their kingdom. Jesus’ answer was brilliant and was diffused enough not to reveal any particulars. The restoration of Israel would come when God said it was time.
What do you think it would have been like to be at the ascension of Jesus into heaven? What a profound moment. Do you think the disciples realized what an event they were actually witnessing? Jesus had said they would be his witnesses, telling everyone everywhere about Him. But they had to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was like everything else would fall into place.
We know from reading about the disciples in the gospels that they often didn’t understand what was going on. They, like people everywhere, had preconceived notions of who Jesus would be. It was hard to wrap their heads around being in the presence of God and realizing that not everything made sense.
The Holy Spirit clarifies our messages from God. The Holy Spirit also gives us the power we need to do the will of God. We should be so thankful that we can tap into that power—the same power that rose Jesus from the dead.
Before they went about their mission, the disciples chose to replace Judas as one of the disciples. It was important to them to do so because they recalled the prophetic psalm. Accordingly, they took the selection process seriously. Did you notice what they did? They prayed.
What a great model for us to follow when we have big decisions in our own lives. Praying to God for direction isn’t always our knee jerk reaction, although it should be. The disciples’ confidence in a response from God is shown by how they moved forward. They cast lots. Perhaps they relied on the wisdom of Proverbs 16:33: “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.”
Now we have the Holy Spirit to be our guide. We can turn to the Holy Spirit when we are looking for direction. The Holy Spirit can respond to us in many ways, from the word of a trusted friend, reading a Bible verse at the right time, or even in our dreams.
Maybe you have even been that trusted friend. Perhaps you felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to share something with someone, not knowing yourself what the message meant. We’ve all heard stories of how an inkling to do something, like make a phone call, or buy something for a stranger, can bring significant blessing to someone. You may be someone’s answered prayer.
Remember that you are one of Jesus’ followers whom he has called to be a witness. If not for those early believers, we wouldn’t be here discussing Jesus at all. It’s up to us to keep that mission alive. How are you situated to help others know about Jesus?
Let’s pray. Thank you, Lord, for calling on me to be a witness for you. It seems daunting at first, but then all I have to do is call on your Spirit for strength and guidance. Forgive me for times when I forget ahead, not waiting for your perfect timing. Help me to slow down and listen for your voice. Use me to reach others so they can meet you, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
