November 16, 2012
Today I begin Acts, three years to the day from when I first began keeping a journal while reading through the Bible. It's always an easy day to remember because I started on the day our youngest granddaughter was born. And now here we are three years later. Jesus is preparing His followers for a new beginning and He is preparing and teaching us about a NEW BEGINNING as well.
Jesus was with His followers for 40 days after His resurrection. He was teaching them about the Kingdom of God. I can just picture the reactions from His followers. "So that is what the prophet Joel meant when he said ______?" "This is what Isaiah meant?"
What a time! Imagine sitting with Jesus and listening to Him explain He was the fulfillment of scripture. I bet they learned more in those 40 days than in the three years of His ministry. All was made clear and they finally understood.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven He told His followers wait right here. Don't leave this place. Wait. In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit THEN it will be time for you to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all of Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth I am going to be sending you out—but wait. Wait until I prepare you and THEN be my witnesses.
Jesus is taken up to heaven and what did His followers do? They joined together in constant prayer. They were obedient to scripture. Scripture said the spot opened up when Judas betrayed the Lord (and them) should be filled with another follower who was a witness with them. So, they sought God's guidance and Matthias was chosen. A week passed—and still they waited. Then in God's timing, the Holy Spirit filled the room and all who were gathered there. God gave them the ability to speak in the language of all the God-fearing Jews who were present there from many different areas. God made sure that ALL could hear the message of the wonders of God.
Not everyone believed. Some scoffed. Some made fun of them. But nothing stopped God's message from going forward.
Peter stood up and boldly addressed the crowd. "Let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say." And he went on to explain clearly—line by line—what the prophets foretold; who Jesus was; what their sin had done; who could save them; and what they must do to be saved. "Change your hearts and lives and be baptized." He warned them. He begged them. Some accepted his teachings. Some did not. Our responsibility is to be obedient and to tell what God instructs us to tell. It is not our responsibility to determine who hears, who responds, or how they respond.
LORD, we sense you are preparing us. We are available and open to your leading—ALL for your honor and glory.
Addendum: 3/2/16 ~ Last nights song: There is a Fountain.
Next Entry: Acts 1:1 – 2:47 (Continued)
Today I begin Acts, three years to the day from when I first began keeping a journal while reading through the Bible. It's always an easy day to remember because I started on the day our youngest granddaughter was born. And now here we are three years later. Jesus is preparing His followers for a new beginning and He is preparing and teaching us about a NEW BEGINNING as well.
Jesus was with His followers for 40 days after His resurrection. He was teaching them about the Kingdom of God. I can just picture the reactions from His followers. "So that is what the prophet Joel meant when he said ______?" "This is what Isaiah meant?"
What a time! Imagine sitting with Jesus and listening to Him explain He was the fulfillment of scripture. I bet they learned more in those 40 days than in the three years of His ministry. All was made clear and they finally understood.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven He told His followers wait right here. Don't leave this place. Wait. In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit THEN it will be time for you to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all of Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth I am going to be sending you out—but wait. Wait until I prepare you and THEN be my witnesses.
Jesus is taken up to heaven and what did His followers do? They joined together in constant prayer. They were obedient to scripture. Scripture said the spot opened up when Judas betrayed the Lord (and them) should be filled with another follower who was a witness with them. So, they sought God's guidance and Matthias was chosen. A week passed—and still they waited. Then in God's timing, the Holy Spirit filled the room and all who were gathered there. God gave them the ability to speak in the language of all the God-fearing Jews who were present there from many different areas. God made sure that ALL could hear the message of the wonders of God.
Not everyone believed. Some scoffed. Some made fun of them. But nothing stopped God's message from going forward.
Peter stood up and boldly addressed the crowd. "Let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say." And he went on to explain clearly—line by line—what the prophets foretold; who Jesus was; what their sin had done; who could save them; and what they must do to be saved. "Change your hearts and lives and be baptized." He warned them. He begged them. Some accepted his teachings. Some did not. Our responsibility is to be obedient and to tell what God instructs us to tell. It is not our responsibility to determine who hears, who responds, or how they respond.
LORD, we sense you are preparing us. We are available and open to your leading—ALL for your honor and glory.
"These aren't the same men... they look the same. But they aren't... These men have changed... They are different. They have stood face-to-face with God. They have sat at the feet of the resurrected King. They are different... because they are different, so is the world... what God did to them, he longs to do for you." ~ From the NCV Introduction to Acts.We are different. We have experienced the Hand of God. We have witnessed His power. We are the recipients of a Blessed Event. We will never be the same again.
Addendum: 3/2/16 ~ Last nights song: There is a Fountain.
Next Entry: Acts 1:1 – 2:47 (Continued)
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