Today’s scripture: Acts 1:1-11 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Squire):
Today, we’re starting a new segment in Be Still on the Book of Acts. It’s the story of the first followers of Jesus, immediately after the resurrection. Two totally new things begin in this book: (1) the pouring out of God’s Spirit into those who believe, and (2) the formation of the Church. Here are just a few thoughts as we launch this new study.
- Notice that the disciples still didn’t understand. They had been with Jesus for three years, and He even returned for 40 days of “last minute instructions” — but they asked if he was about to restore Israel to its glory as an earthly nation. Jesus, however, had the Kingdom of God in mind. As we read the book of Acts together, we’ll see God working in a new way to establish the Kingdom.
- Jesus promised they would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” I picture that as being immersed in the Spirit, flooded with the power of God, until there’s no choice — it must flow forth into everything you touch. I know I could certainly use some of that — and so could the world around me.
- They received that Power so that they could “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We’ll see that Acts traces the Apostle’s work as they push out into these geographic areas. Their work continues today, in each of us who claim Christ. I used to think that “being [Jesus’] witness” meant just telling people about Him. We’ll see that the disciples did much more — they were Jesus to the people around them.
Thought and prayer for the day: Jesus, I want to learn from the example of your first Disciples. Make me open to your Spirit, so it can flow out into my life, my church, and my world.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.