Scripture to Read: Acts 1:9–11
Jesus had been with the apostles for three years, and they had grown to trust Him. As we read yesterday in Acts 1:8, Jesus had given the apostles His final words of encouragement and established for them His call. So, we read today in Acts 1:9–11, And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” It was important for our Lord to leave this way because He wanted His apostles to know that He was gone. He had been appearing to them over the last forty days, but now He was gone. Jesus left, but here is why, Jesus had told them in John 16:7, But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. Jesus knew His Spirit must come to live in them and every other follower of His. Jesus knew His ministry would be multiplied through His followers (John 14:12) and that together we’d accomplish His work for His pleasure.
Challenge & Application
Why did the Holy Spirit come, and why is it so important for us to remember that He lives in us?
How do you see our Lord accomplishing “greater works” through His children, as He said in John 14:12?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!