Acts 1:1-11 (NRSV)
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Chapter 1In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning Verse 2until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. Verse 3After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Verse 4While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. "This," he said, "is what you have heard from me; Verse 5for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
Verse 6So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" Verse 7He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. Verse 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Verse 9When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. Verse 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. Verse 11They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
Devotion
This Thursday is the Ascension of Our Lord. As it falls mid-week, the church in worship has probably not given this festival its proper due. In the Spirit-filled days following the first Easter Jesus taught his disciples about the Kingdom of God. They must have heard anew all they had heard before, but with new ears and fresh excitement. Having basked in the glory of the resurrection, everything from the master’s lips must have thrilled them. Then, with the sudden promise: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…,” he left. Jesus ascended back to the Father’s presence. He left his disciples, trusting that the work of the Kingdom could and would be accomplished by his followers, in the power of the promised Spirit.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, send the same power to your Church today. Help us to trust your promised gift of the Spirit that enables your Kingdom to come to us. Amen.