Daily Devotional

A few years ago, when I was in Israel, I remember taking all kinds of pictures of the Mount of Olives. I had these verses in mind as I pictured what it must’ve been like standing with the disciples as Jesus was taken up into heaven. And then picturing what it will look like when Jesus comes back in just the same way they watched Him go into heaven. I even thought, “What if Jesus came back while I’m in Israel, and I’m here to see it? How cool would that be?”

In (v.11) the two angels asked the disciples an important question. “Why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Every time I read that verse I think, “The angels should’ve added a short phrase at the end, “So get to work.” I mean Jesus just told them that they would be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and that they had a job to do. Jesus said, “You will be My witnesses in both Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

Perhaps the disciples thought Jesus was going to come back in an hour or two, or even later that day, so He sent the angels to tell them to get to work. And now over two thousand years later, we’re still waiting for His return. In (1 Thess.5:2), the Apostle Paul tells us that “...the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night”, so that means we need to anticipate His return, and be ready. But it doesn’t mean we “stand looking into the sky”.

Jesus has commanded us to make disciples, obey Him, and live courageously for Him. So as we start a new year, I would like to encourage you to check your priorities. Where is “reaching people for Christ” on your priority list? Did it make your list? Or is it far down your list? Do you say, “If I have time, I’ll try and fit that in.”

Well, this world is not getting any better. People all around us are rejecting God’s Word and saying yes to sin. But the Bible commands us to choose godliness during these dark days. Be an example of Jesus Christ to those around you. Live like Him. Live for Him. And let people see the hope that you have, always being ready to share the hope that you have in Christ. People need the Lord.

As we celebrate Christmas, and the Advent of our Savior’s first coming to earth. On this New Year’s Day, watch and pray as you anticipate His triumphant second coming. Pray that God will help you build relationships with non-Christians, so you can offer to pray for them and give them hope. Shine as a bright light in the darkness. And be faithful in the power of the Holy Spirit to join Him in the mission of reconciling people to God the Father through Jesus Christ. He has given us the privilege of being part of His work reaching the world. So let’s get to work!

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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