Tag: Acts 1
Witness to His resurrection
Scripture reading for May 6: Acts 1
“”. . .So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when He was taken up from us–one of these men must become with us a witness to His resurrection.” And they put forth two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, Who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place. And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:21-26
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the remaining eleven disciples, now called ‘apostles’, decided to pick a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and took his own life. They set the qualification that the person must be a man who had accompanied them from Jesus’ baptism by John (Luke 3:21-22) until his ascension to heaven in the clouds. (Acts 1:9) This person was to be a witness of Christ’s resurrection. They put forth two possible candidates and then prayed over them, asking God to reveal His choice. They cast lots believing that God would answer. (Proverbs 16:33) The lot fell to Matthias, who was then added to their number.
The world would look upon this process of casting lots as having to do with luck. There would be an equal chance that either person could be selected. But in God’s economy, He controls each person being placed in authority. As these apostles prayed, God alone knows the hearts of all men. His purposes and plans will be accomplished. He determined that Matthias would replace Judas, just as Jesus had chosen Judas, knowing that he would betray Him.
Have you learned to seek God when a change of jobs, relationships, or direction confronts you? How do you view the selection of leadership in our culture today? Has God selected you to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for placing each person exactly where You want them in leadership in Your church. Help me to act in faith and seek You when leadership changes come into my life and church family. Thank You for selecting me to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection and sending me out. Amen.
Power to be witnesses!
Scripture reading for May 5th: Acts 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 1: 6-8 “So when they met together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He (Jesus) said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or the dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After He had said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.”
Jesus last words to His disciples before He blessed them as He ascended to heaven concerned their need to wait for the power they needed in the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit would enable them to be effective witnesses beginning at Jerusalem and then as they took the gospel to the ends of the earth. They were not to leave Jerusalem without it! This caused them to draw together in prayer as they waited for what was promised! (Acts 1:14) They would not be disappointed!
Observations for over-comers: The indwelling Holy Spirit is the over-comers source of power to live victoriously and proclaim the gospel to the lost! It is God’s delight to give p0wer to His people! “Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, O God, in Your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God!” (Psalm 68:34-35)
Taken up in Glory!
Scripture reading for May 6th: Acts 1
Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and Acts. His Gospel ends with Jesus meeting the apostles after His resurrection and opening their minds to the Scriptures. “He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”” (Luke 24:46-49) Jesus gave specific instructions and direction to His followers. He also promised empowerment to do the job.
Jesus left them at Bethany; “. . .he lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-51) Luke begins the Book of Acts with these two accounts. He emphasized the instruction to wait for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit baptism (Acts 1:4-8) and Jesus’ ascension to heaven in a cloud of glory. (Acts 1:9-11)
Jesus was taken up into heaven right after He emphasized their need to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to be His witnesses. “After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky: This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11) Jesus left in a cloud of glory and will return!