Unstoppable! 'Mission' — Acts 1:7-11

Saturday, January 10, 2026

[Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for the 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

Are you a witness to others about what Jesus did in his ministry and what he is doing in your life? That witnessing was the apostles' mission, and Peter, the Lord's lead apostle, reminded each of us that we need to be prepared for the same mission: to be a witness for Jesus (1 Peter 3:15-16). No matter our job, role, or time in life, each of us has a place of influence in the lives of others. Are we using it to be a witness to the grace and power of our Lord Jesus?

Based on Acts 1:8, Luke divided Acts into three sections recounting the disciples' going as Jesus' Witnesses to World.

Section One: Growing into Jesus' Mission
Chaps. 1-9 - Focus City: Jerusalem; Focus Character: Peter.

Section Two: Transitioning to Jesus' Gentile Mission
Chaps. 10-15 - Focus City: Antioch; Focus Characters: Peter, James, Barnabas, and Saul/Paul.

Section Three: Carrying Out Jesus' World Mission
Chaps. 16-28 - Focus Cities: Ephesus & Rome; Focus Character: Paul.

Today's Prayer

Open my eyes, dear Lord, to see the opportunities you place in my path each day to be a blessing to others and to be an influence for Jesus. Holy Spirit, give me discernment and wisdom to know when, and how best, to share my story of what Jesus means to me. Jesus, please use me to influence others toward you so that they will find your grace. I want to be a witness for you, dear Lord. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

64 Related Resources by Heartlight

Mystery
Devo: Unstoppable!
"[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....."
Don't Just Stand There
Devo: Unstoppable!
"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..."
Power for the Interim
Devo: Together in Christ
"[In response to a question about when he would free Israel and restore the kingdom, Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those....."
Waiting in Jerusalem to Begin
Devo: Unstoppable!
"So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?" He replied,..."
See All 64 Related Resources about Acts 1:7-11

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:7-11 NLT — [Jesus] replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times [for the 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!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, January 10, 2026

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Dwight Moody:
"I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man I have ever met."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 103:8
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 84:6
"This teaches us that the comfort obtained by a one may often prove serviceable to another; just as wells would be used by the company who came after....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Preparing Them in His Moment of Sorrow'
"[To the disciples, Jesus continued,] "I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that...."

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!