Unstoppable! 'Now What?' — Acts 1:12-13

Friday, January 12, 2024

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

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[After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.
— Acts 1:12-13 NLT

Key Thought

Luke’s succinct description reminds me of the line of Joe Friday of Dragnet fame many years ago: "Just the facts, ma'am!" Luke appears to be laying down the simple facts of what happened. We know, however, that the apostles had seen their Lord raised from the dead and ascend back into heaven. Then, they grasped the significance of the angels' question (Acts 1:11), and they obeyed what their Savior had commanded them to do (Acts 1:4). They went back to Jerusalem to wait spiritually in prayer, listening, and anticipating. Their simple obedience should be a reminder that obedience leads to the release of God's power (Acts 2:4).

Today's Prayer

Lord, you are worthy of all of my devotion and obedience because you are eternal, all-powerful, pre-existent, and beyond anything my mind can comprehend. I thank you that, even though it was your right to demand my obedience, you chose first to extend your grace and then called me to obey. Thank you for this mercy. Thank you for showing me your love and your desire to have a relationship with me as your child. I willingly offer you my obedience in response to your love. Forgive me when my obedience is incomplete. Forgive me when I don't immediately obey. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue the work of transforming me to be like Jesus so that I do only what you, my loving Father, desire. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 24:49
  • Acts 1:4-5

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:12-13 NLT — [After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

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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