Unstoppable! 'Don't Just Stand There' — Acts 1:10-11

Thursday, January 11, 2024

As [the disciples] strained to see [Jesus] rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"
— Acts 1:10-11 NLT

Key Thought

"Don't just stand there; do something!" My mother first introduced me to the idea. Long before my mother, the angels in this story effectively said, "Don't just stand there!" Those were not their exact words, but that was their message. Jesus had told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4). So the disciples quit looking into the sky and went to Jerusalem. There, they gathered to worship, pray, and anticipate the coming of the Spirit (Acts 1:4, 12, 14, 2:1-4). While some religions might focus on looking into the heavens, following Jesus doesn't. We do await his return, but until then, we have a mission to fulfill. Let's get busy doing it — praying, worshiping, anticipating, serving, and witnessing.

Today's Prayer

Forgive us, O God, for wasting the time you have given us. We waste it on arguing and debating. We squander it on frivolous things that don't matter. We even get caught up in chasing spiritual ideas to the point that we don't get much done spiritually. I want to hear the echo of the angels' voices when I begin to waste my time on useless endeavors. Remind me, Spirit of the living God, to quit looking into the sky. Help me hear the angels and get back to the mission that you have for me. I ask this through Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 1:4, 14
  • Isaiah 40:29-31

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:10-11 NLT — As [the disciples] strained to see [Jesus] rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"

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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