Exodus 12-13; Ps. 21; Acts 1

Today we begin reading through the book of Acts where we read the story of the birth of the New Testament church. Luke, the writer of both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, begins this book by tying it with the book of Luke. The last thing recorded in the Gospel of Luke is the first thing Luke records in the book of Acts. The gospel of Luke closes as Jesus is telling His disciples to wait in Jerusalem “until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49). In Acts 1, the writer opens by saying “The former treatise (that is, the Gospel according to Luke) have I written unto you, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” (Acts 1:1) Began is the key word. The book of Luke is only a partial story of the ministry of Jesus. It’s just the beginning of His ministry. In the book of Acts, we see that Jesus continues to minister as He does today—healing the sick, raising the dead, meeting the needs of each individual. His love continues to touch the world and transform lives. How does Jesus continue to do this work? It’s through you and me---disciples who have been anointed with the Holy Spirit. This is God’s plan—to use us, imperfect, fault-ridden humans. He began that work while He lived on this earth, as we read in the gospel of Luke and now in the book of Acts, we see the disciples and new believers commissioned to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit so that they can “receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) What is the work Jesus has begun through you? Who are you going to touch with His love, minister to with healing hands, and speak with words of encouragement? Today, this is the day to let the Lord “begin” something new in and through you to be His witness. Be confident in God’s plan to use you. “ …being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) So today…to good works in Christ Jesus!
Carol Danna
Next Reading: Exodus 14-16, Acts 2