Unstoppable! 'Now What?' — Acts 1:12-13

Monday, January 12, 2026

[After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.
— Acts 1:12-13 NLT

Key Thought

Luke’s succinct description reminds me of the line of Joe Friday of Dragnet fame many years ago: "Just the facts, ma'am!" Luke appears to be laying down the simple facts of what happened. We know, however, that the apostles had seen their Lord raised from the dead and ascend back into heaven. Then, they grasped the significance of the angels' question (Acts 1:11), and they obeyed what their Savior had commanded them to do (Acts 1:4). They went back to Jerusalem to wait spiritually in prayer, listening, and anticipating. Their simple obedience should be a reminder that obedience leads to the release of God's power (Acts 2:4).

Today's Prayer

Lord, you are worthy of all of my devotion and obedience because you are eternal, all-powerful, pre-existent, and beyond anything my mind can comprehend. I thank you that, even though it was your right to demand my obedience, you chose first to extend your grace and then called me to obey. Thank you for this mercy. Thank you for showing me your love and your desire to have a relationship with me as your child. I willingly offer you my obedience in response to your love. Forgive me when my obedience is incomplete. Forgive me when I don't immediately obey. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue the work of transforming me to be like Jesus so that I do only what you, my loving Father, desire. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Time Together Meant Time in Prayer
Devo: Unstoppable!
"[After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the...."
Commissioned!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, The two passages below tell about My commissioning the disciples right before My ascension to the Father. You cannot ask for a more..."
Resurrection 2.5: Sarcastic Ridicule
Article by Phil Ware
Jesus knew the sting of sarcastic ridicule and unbelief from his family Phil Ware continues his Resurrection 2.0 series reminding us this week that Jesus' own family did not believe until after his resurrection.
Last Glimpse?
Article by Phil Ware
What does this last glimpse of Mary teach us about Jesus and discipleship? Phil Ware finishes his series on the Windows to Wonder, on Mary the mother of Jesus, the Messiah, the Lord, and Savior, and reminds us that we can all be part of Jesus' forever family.
See All 6 Related Resources about Acts 1:12-13

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 1:12-13 NLT — [After Jesus' ascension,] the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a distance of half a mile. When they arrived, they went to the upstairs room of the house where they were staying.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, January 12, 2026

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'One!' (Ep. 4:4-6)
"For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Living in Love' (Ro. 12:9-15)
"Dear Father, empowering God, Let my love be genuine for everyone in heaven and on earth. Help me hate what is evil at all times and everywhere. Help...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Doing What God Wants' (Jn. 3:20-21)
"[Concluding his talk with Nicodemus, Jesus said,] "All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But..."

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!