Unstoppable! 'Mystery' — Acts 1:7-11

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for restoration of the Kingdom], and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"

— Acts 1:7-11 NLT

Key Thought

Some things are clouded in mystery. Jesus didn't answer the apostles' question about the time for the restoration of the Kingdom (Acts 1:6). He did, however, remind them of three truths. First, they would receive power to do what he had called them to do. Second, they needed to quit worrying about when the Kingdom would come. Third, they instead needed to focus on being witnesses for him. The Lord also promised us power to accomplish his mission. Let's refuse to be distracted by what remains a mystery and focus on doing the work Jesus has called us to do!

Today's Prayer

O Lord, I am easily distracted. Help me as I commit to focus on what I know you want me to do and to be less drawn toward mysteries about things I cannot know. I want my life to matter eternally. I want my influence to be used to draw people to Jesus. Please, O Lord, don't let distractions rob me of accomplishing these goals. In Jesus' powerful name, I ask for this help. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 21:6-28
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:7-11 NLT — [Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for restoration of the Kingdom], and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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