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

Sunday, January 12, 2025

[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 Sunday, January 12, 2025

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Strengthened with Power' (Co. 1:11-14)
"Dear Father, in whom there is no darkness at all, Strengthen me with all power, according to your great might, so that I can both endure and be..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Is there Any as Mighty as You?' (Ps. 77:13-15)
"O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Matthew 7:13-14
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.But small is the gate and narrow...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Will Use Our Suffering' (2 Th. 1:5-6)
"And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice, he will pay...."

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!