Unstoppable! 'Someone Who Has Been with Jesus!' — Acts 1:21-22

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Merry Christmas!

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

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[Peter said,] "So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus — from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus' resurrection."
— Acts 1:21-22 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus chose the Twelve so that they could be with him. We shouldn't be surprised that the disciples of Jesus wanted to select a replacement for Judas. Notice the requirement for a replacement. This person had to have been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry through his ascension. The apostles were examples for other disciples as they lived out their mission to be witnesses to the world about what they had seen and heard. While we cannot go back in time and be with Jesus as the apostles were, we can focus our attention on the four gospel stories of his life, his words, and his ministry. We can commit to living for him and like him. As we do, we, too, can be witnesses to the world for Jesus!

Today's Prayer

O Father, I want to know Jesus. I want to experience his presence in my life. I want to live for him and be like him. I trust that the Spirit is at work to transform me to be more like him as I focus on him, learn about him, and live for him. When people are around me, may they know that I have been with Jesus! May they realize by the way that I treat them that Jesus' righteous character, gracious compassion, and enduring faithfulness have rubbed off on me. But, dear Lord, may this be true for his glory and their benefit, not mine. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 1:29-51
  • Luke 24:35-43

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:21-22 NLT — [Peter said,] "So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus — from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus' resurrection."

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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