Acts 1:1-11 Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven
“In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or 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 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.”
In the Book of Acts, Dr. Luke continues to describe for his friend Theophilus the wonders of Jesus and the way God works in the lives of the disciples after Jesus ascends to heaven. (Incidentally, “Theophilus” means “Lover of God.” Although this name was relatively common in Luke’s day, could this be a pseudonym for someone who wants information but who fears he might be traced otherwise? Only in heaven will we find out the answer.)
Luke points out that after the resurrection, Jesus spends 40 days appearing to his disciples and teaching them about the kingdom of God. At this point, the disciples realize their time with Jesus is drawing to a close, and they listen even more carefully than they have in the past. But the disciples are still confused.
During Jesus’ teaching at the last supper, he speaks a great deal about the Holy Spirit. But the disciples really know very little about the Holy Spirit apart from what Jesus has told them. And it’s quite possible that when Jesus has been trying to teach about the Holy Spirit, the disciples have been sitting there thinking, “HUH? Say what?” It’s going to take practical experience before these guys really understand what Jesus means.
Acts 1: 12-14 “Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
Well, the disciples might be confused about the Holy Spirit, but they certainly have the right response: When in doubt, pray. The disciples, Jesus’ mother and brothers, and the women who have followed all gather for continual prayers in the room where they’re staying, presumably the upper room where the last supper was held.
We’ll leave the disciples in that upper room for a bit while we consider some things. When our worlds have been turned upside down, what is our reaction? Do we try to salve ourselves with food or athletic activities on TV or shopping or some other panacea? Or do we turn to God?
Here the disciples are, stuck in Jerusalem with no idea when or where God is going to move. Even though the disciples have tried to pin Jesus down on schedules before he ascends into heaven, Jesus gives frustratingly vague answers. And the disciples really have no idea who or what the Holy Spirit is. All the disciples can do is to keep praying and keep trusting.
Perhaps you feel a lot like the disciples. Someone on whom you have relied has died or moved away, and you feel completely lost. You have no idea where to turn for help. Copy the disciples-pray and spend time with God. Trust that at the right time and in the right place, God is going to move and it will be magnificent!
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and caring for us. Lord, you know those of us who are discouraged. Please enter every trembling heart and strengthen us to do Your perfect Will. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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