As we conclude our walk through the book of Luke I figured we should continue on with his next letter, the Acts of the Apostles commonly called Acts.  It is a fitting sequel to the gospels as it shows the response of the disciples and other early church members to Jesus leaving and His giving of the Holy Spirit.  In that sense they are in the exact same boat as we are today.  Let’s begin this journey together today with the introduction to Acts found in chapter 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.” 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 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.”

Jesus knew that the disciples would have some moments of struggle after He left.  He left them with a clear purpose and He gave them (and us) the power to carry that mission out through the gift of His Holy Spirit.  That’s the beautiful thing about Jesus.  He doesn’t ask things of us that He hasn’t given us the gifts and strength to do.  We are tasked with the very same job as those early disciples.  We must carry Jesus’ message and love into the world through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit which He gives us.  Shoot, if Peter can do it anyone can right?  I pray that we might all carry on the work of Jesus and these early disciples and share God’s love with the world.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave