READING: Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:1-2:47
We rightly celebrate the resurrection—and we must do that daily even as we take up our cross—but I fear we sometimes act as if the story ends with an open tomb. In today’s reading, we learn again that there’s always more.
Jesus promised His power and His presence to His disciples to be His witnesses, and He then ascended to the heavens to sit down at the right hand of the Father. The disciples stood gazing into the heavens, but the angel reminded them (in my paraphrase): “Quit just staring. He’ll come again just like He’s left. For now, you need to get about the business of being His witnesses.”
How do we best do that work? Proclaim and pray.
Proclaiming the Word like Simon Peter did in Acts 2 is non-negotiable, for no one can believe without hearing (Rom 10:14). In addition, prayer is equally non-negotiable. Not only does this task evidence our genuine relationship with the Father, but it also turns our attention to the One who intercedes for us (Heb 7:25) and reflects the early church’s practice (Acts 2:42). Let your life be saturated with proclamation and prayer today!
PERSONAL REFLECTION: On a scale of 1-10, with 10 the highest, what is the health of your prayer life?
DAILY PRAYER: “Thank You, God, for reminding me of the early church’s prayer commitment. Teach me to pray.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Acts 3:1-5:42