Unstoppable! 'Mystery' — Acts 1:7-11

Sunday, January 9, 2022

[Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for restoration of the Kingdom], and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him 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 1:7-11 NLT

Key Thought

Some things are clouded in mystery. Jesus didn't answer the apostles' question about the time for the restoration of the Kingdom (Acts 1:6). He did, however, remind them of three truths. First, they would receive power to do what he had called them to do. Second, they needed to quit worrying about when the Kingdom would come. Third, they instead needed to focus on being witnesses for him. The Lord also promised us power to accomplish his mission. Let's refuse to be distracted by what remains a mystery and focus on doing the work Jesus has called us to do!

Today's Prayer

O LORD, I am easily distracted. Help me as I commit to focus on what I know you want me to do and to be less drawn toward mysteries about things I cannot know. I want my life to matter eternally. I want my influence to be used to draw people to Jesus. Please, O LORD, don't let distractions rob me of accomplishing these goals. In Jesus' powerful name, I ask for this help. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 21:6-28
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, January 9, 2022

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Victor Hugo:
"There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Genesis 1:27
"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Reborn!' (Jn. 1:12-13)
"But to all who believed [Jesus, the Word] and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn — not with a physical birth...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Jeremiah 31:33
"Christian! here is all thou canst require. To make thee happy thou wantest something that shall satisfy thee; and is not this enough? If thou canst..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:7-11 NLT — [Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for restoration of the Kingdom], and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere — in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him 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.

More Unstoppable!