Acts 1
AUDIO READING
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To a lover of God, Theophilus: In my first book, I recounted the events of Jesus’ life—His actions, His teachings— from the beginning of His life until He was taken up into heaven. After His great suffering and vindication, He showed His apostles that He was alive—appearing to them repeatedly over a period of 40 days, giving them many convincing proofs of His resurrection. As before, He spoke constantly of the kingdom of God. During these appearances, He had instructed His chosen messengers through the Holy Spirit, prohibiting them from leaving Jerusalem, but rather requiring them to wait there until they received what He called “the promise of the Father.”
Jesus: This is what you heard Me teach— that just as John ritually cleansed people with water through baptism, so you will be washed with the Holy Spirit very soon.
When they had gathered just outside Jerusalem at the Mount of Olives, they asked Jesus,
Disciples: Is now the time, Lord—the time when You will reestablish Your kingdom in our land of Israel?
Jesus: The Father, on His own authority, has determined the ages and epochs of history, but you have not been given this knowledge. Here’s the knowledge you need: you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. And you will be My witnesses, first here in Jerusalem, then beyond to Judea and Samaria, and finally to the farthest places on earth.
As He finished this commission, He began to rise from the ground before their eyes until the clouds obscured Him from their vision. As they strained to get one last glimpse of Him going into heaven, the Lord’s emissaries realized two men in white robes were standing among them.
Two Men: You Galileans, why are you standing here staring up into the sky? This Jesus who is leaving you and ascending to heaven will return in the same way you see Him departing.
Then the disciples returned to Jerusalem—their short journey from the Mount of Olives was an acceptable Sabbath Day’s walk.
Back in the city, they went to the room where they were staying—a second-floor room. This whole group devoted themselves to constant prayer with one accord: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (the Zealot), Judas (son of James), a number of women including Mary (Jesus’ mother), and some of Jesus’ brothers.
As the disciples prayed, Peter stood among the group of about 120 people and made this proposal:
Reflections
Find a quiet place and an unhurried time to spend some quality time with God. Begin by asking God to join you in this special time.
Step outside your immediate concerns for the day and focus your attention on knowing Jesus and seeking his guidance.
Read the passage of the day slowly. Notice what stirs in you as you read this passage.
Read the passage again, slowly. Look for a word, phrase, or thought that God seems to be highlighting for you and your life.
Meditate on that message and ask God, “What are you inviting me into in light of this passage?”
Write down the impression you have from this passage. It may be helpful to keep a journal of each day’s thoughts.
Take a deep breath and rest with God, noticing how Jesus’ message lingers with you for the day.
