Devotionals for May 30, 2023
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READ
Acts 1:8-11
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
REFLECT
In this passage, we see what is referred to by commentators as a “command-promise.” Jesus is simultaneously commanding and promising the disciples that they “will be [his] witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This is both a charge to obedience, for the disciples and for us, as well as a prophetic assurance that even when we fail, God will see his mission through to the end.
We should read this passage and feel the burden of the call to discipleship, as well as the encouragement that the kingdom of God will advance “to the ends of the earth.”
You are part of a world-saving project. Your witness is the means God is choosing to bring about his purposes for the world. It is no small thing to share Jesus with a friend, doing so is like laying the bricks of the kingdom of God until the king comes “in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” There are no insignificant Christians. Every believer, from the pastor of thousands to the janitor, is an ambassador in a kingdom which will never be shaken.
APPLY
Q: What does Jesus say about his second coming?
Q: Where in your life are you letting opportunities to witness sail by you?
Q: How can you build the kingdom at your work, school, and home?
SING
“I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, help us to join in your project of world-saving by living as kingdom people on earth. Help us to proclaim your kingdom come and your will be done. Amen.
READ
Acts 1:8-11
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
REFLECT
In this passage, we see what is referred to by commentators as a “command-promise.” Jesus is simultaneously commanding and promising the disciples that they “will be [his] witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This is both a charge to obedience, for the disciples and for us, as well as a prophetic assurance that even when we fail, God will see his mission through to the end.
We should read this passage and feel the burden of the call to discipleship, as well as the encouragement that the kingdom of God will advance “to the ends of the earth.”
You are part of a world-saving project. Your witness is the means God is choosing to bring about his purposes for the world. It is no small thing to share Jesus with a friend, doing so is like laying the bricks of the kingdom of God until the king comes “in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” There are no insignificant Christians. Every believer, from the pastor of thousands to the janitor, is an ambassador in a kingdom which will never be shaken.
APPLY
Q: What does Jesus say about his second coming?
Q: Where in your life are you letting opportunities to witness sail by you?
Q: How can you build the kingdom at your work, school, and home?
SING
“I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, help us to join in your project of world-saving by living as kingdom people on earth. Help us to proclaim your kingdom come and your will be done. Amen.