Acts 1: 1-5 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 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. 4 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. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Something Bigger It may be age or cynicism or bad luck but I think sometimes we tend to believe that we are more than just a part of a larger plan. You can call it a product of our culture but based on this passage I would say it’s been around for a very long time. Look at how Jesus instructs and provides proof to these men, his closest friends and those he will entrust to spread the word. Jesus does everything in his power, over forty days, to prove he is who he says he is. However, even after that and his instruction which came from the Holy Spirit he advises them that they should wait on the baptism, the blessing if you will, of the Holy Spirit before proceeding. Jesus’s Instructions In other words: “I know you saw me die. I know you have been convinced over the last 40 days that I have been resurrected from the dead. I know that I’ve told you things and showed you how to go forth; stuff that comes right from the Holy Spirit. HOWEVER, don’t leave just yet, there’s a final gift from God that you need. Don’t take my word for it or the proof I’ve shown. This has to come from higher up.” Jesus Part of the Plan I have to think the disciples were thinking, “Really? You, this whole coming back from the dead thing, walking among us and eating at our table, that’s not enough?” I imagine Jesus told them, “Yes, you might think I’m a big deal but there are bigger things, and you’re part of them. So slow your roll. Wait.” (Well he might not have said “slow your roll” but in so many words) We would do well to remember and well to emulate a man who was the Son of God and realize there are bigger things. We are just a part, of the plan. Something to think about What part of your life do you need to wait and seek the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon?

Acts

Move it Along, Nothing to See Here

ACTS 2: 42-47

ACTS 2:38-39

ACTS 1: 1-5 1