Acts 1-2

Today we begin reading the Book of Acts. Penned by Luke, this is a follow-up to his gospel, which we just finished reading in the New Testament challenge. Though it was quite a few  years ago, I clearly remember studying this book the first year I was in Bible quizzing as a freshman in high school. Certain portions and verses still leap out at me, but in today’s reading, it was one verse in particular, verse 1:8. Acts begins with the stunning account of the Ascension of Jesus. This is the last time His disciples see him on earth, so you can imagine how they must have hung onto His last words: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIV)

Here’s my takeaway from this verse. First, just as these disciples were instructed to do, we as believers are to witness to others and to make sure the gospel is spread all over the world. They weren’t to keep this message to themselves and neither are we. We all have a part in this and are all called to use our gifts in unique ways, whether it’s loving, serving, and being a witness to our community or loving, serving, and being a witness to folks on the other side of the world. My second takeaway is this--notice that FIRST the Holy Spirit was to come upon them. The disciples couldn’t do all of the amazing things they went on to do without first receiving the Holy Spirit. They had to wait for that before fulfilling their mission. Sometimes we want to put “the cart before the horse” so to speak and get on with the job without clear instruction from the Lord. Believe me, I am exactly like that sometimes! I think it’s good for us to remember that we need to wait for His leading, timing, and guidance before barging on ahead and doing things on our own. His ways are ALWAYS best. With His perfect timing, wisdom, guidance, and power, we can be so much more effective in what we’ve been called to do. 

~Rachel Craig