DAY ONE | Acts 1: 1-26
The disciples stood at the Mount of Olives, eyes fixed on the sky, absorbing the profound reality of the Ascension. Jesus had just transitioned from their tangible midst into a majestic realm. This wasn’t merely a moment of awe; it was an implicit challenge. With Jesus physically absent, the responsibility now rested on their shoulders. How would they, and how will we, respond?
The angels posed a provocative question: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus... will come in the same way as you saw Him go" (Acts 1:11). The underlying challenge? Don’t just stand there. There's work to be done. With the Ascension, Christ passed the baton to us, His followers. We're tasked to live out His teachings, to be His hands and feet on Earth, and to spread the Good News.
Facing this charge can be daunting. Yet, it's crucial to remember that Jesus ascended to empower, not to abandon. The forthcoming Holy Spirit would be a source of strength, guidance, and resilience. But this power doesn’t come without responsibility. As bearers of the Spirit, we're entrusted with a divine mission.
So, in reflecting on the Ascension, let’s ask ourselves: Are we mere bystanders, gazing at the heavens, or active participants in God's redemptive plan? It's a challenging call, demanding sacrifice, boldness, and relentless love. But in this mission, we find our true purpose and the profound promise of Jesus' eventual return.
The disciples stood at the Mount of Olives, eyes fixed on the sky, absorbing the profound reality of the Ascension. Jesus had just transitioned from their tangible midst into a majestic realm. This wasn’t merely a moment of awe; it was an implicit challenge. With Jesus physically absent, the responsibility now rested on their shoulders. How would they, and how will we, respond?
The angels posed a provocative question: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus... will come in the same way as you saw Him go" (Acts 1:11). The underlying challenge? Don’t just stand there. There's work to be done. With the Ascension, Christ passed the baton to us, His followers. We're tasked to live out His teachings, to be His hands and feet on Earth, and to spread the Good News.
Facing this charge can be daunting. Yet, it's crucial to remember that Jesus ascended to empower, not to abandon. The forthcoming Holy Spirit would be a source of strength, guidance, and resilience. But this power doesn’t come without responsibility. As bearers of the Spirit, we're entrusted with a divine mission.
So, in reflecting on the Ascension, let’s ask ourselves: Are we mere bystanders, gazing at the heavens, or active participants in God's redemptive plan? It's a challenging call, demanding sacrifice, boldness, and relentless love. But in this mission, we find our true purpose and the profound promise of Jesus' eventual return.
Posted in Acts Devotional