Acts 1 reminds me of, “The Talk”. Parents everywhere debate when to have the conversation with their pre-teens about the hormonal changes ahead. They try to anticipate questions, recalling their own experience, knowing their child will not fully understand everything for some time. Luke does not want new believers to hear half-truths about the joy of the Holy Spirit from misinformed peers. The entire book is about the Acts of the Holy Spirit working through the early church. The book is the first-hand account of the apostle Luke from the time Jesus was “taken up to heaven”. Luke notes that during the 40 days post resurrection, Jesus presented Himself multiple times. Jesus specifically told the apostles “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised… in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”. Waiting is not easy for youths. It is important to note that the apostles were still adolescent in their faith. They were eager for a new earthly kingdom, but Jesus explained, “It is not for you to know the times or dates”. God alone sets the timetable for the Day of the Lord. We are to live with an anticipation of His imminent return. Jesus said He will prepare them for their new role. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses”. It is important to note that the Holy Spirit would give them new understanding of the teaching they had already received. God’s Spirit and His Word are in perfect alignment.
After the disciples saw Jesus ascend into heaven, they continued looking skyward. There is a human tendency to long for the past. Two angels had to get them to refocus. They asked, “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”. When Messiah returns it will be an unmistakable world-wide event. Though some today whine about God allowing evil to prosper, we should never mistake His patience for His acceptance. Today each of us can accept or reject the offer of forgiveness through Christ. This is the day of mercy, but Christ will return in righteous judgement. Friend, is it time to look ahead?
“The apostles returned to Jerusalem” and gathered in the upper room to pray with the core of the new believers numbering about 120. Both men and women were present. Taking on the leadership role, “Peter stood up among the believers”. He spoke about Judas’ betrayal and death, noting the need to replace him. To his credit, Peter cited scripture, recalling that King David also replaced an unfaithful leader. Peter established two requirements for the next apostle; “it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time… a witness with us of His resurrection”. So two men were nominated to replace Judas, and they prayed for wisdom in choosing the right man “to take over this apostolic ministry”. “Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias”. Immaturity often limits God to a “coin-flip” between our own wants. Matthias “was added to the eleven apostles”. Some argue that this was a premature election, noting that Matthias is never mentioned again. Although the apostle Paul wrote the majority of the New Testament, we do not know how Matthias was used. While “Pope” Peter was not infallible, God’s Sprit works in each of us differently. There are many silent saints doing great things with no notoriety. Paul himself writes in 1 Corinthians 12:4, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord”. Perhaps you fear real intimacy with God? We are not able to fully live out our faith without His presence in our heart. Notice some of the names given to represent His Spirt; Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Guide, Intercessor, Spirit of Life, Teacher, Witness. Ask Him to meet you today and your life will be transformed.