APRIL 24 | ACTS 1:6-11
- Judy Webb
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
And So It Begins
by Judy Webb
"Why do you stand there looking into the sky?" (Acts 1:11)
Why indeed? Jesus taught his followers for 3 years, he prepared them for this day, and yet they stand there staring, probably with sad and forlorn burning in their eyes. Longing coupled with tears took over the expression on their faces. Everything Jesus had been telling them was happening; unbelievable as it may have been. I wonder, would we also be standing there with a slack-jawed look watching Jesus climb to the heavens?
This was a confusing time for the Apostles. Their emotions were running hot and high. Jesus, their beloved leader dead. They still didn’t understand things, but then would we? Could we put two and two together and come up with a Risen Savior? A man, and a dearly loved companion, murdered. They were in shock; they were stunned and so very fearful. How could they make sense of these things?
They did the next best thing: they came together and hid out for a bit. They needed to talk things over, perhaps review the words Jesus had shared with them to see if they could make sense of their world. Scripture tells us they went back to the place where they had been staying and began praying. “They all met together, united in prayer.” (Acts 1:14 NLT) This is just what Jesus had taught. Pray and stick together and it will all make sense.
Isn’t this just what we do when a loved one dies? Don’t we come together, share a meal, and review their life? We bring up those memorable times, those personal conversations and even share laughs as we review their friendship and family ties. It is not only healing, but this type of grieving gives their life purpose and meaning and helps us to know how to move forward.
Jesus had taught his followers all they needed to know. It was now up to them to “Go, and make disciples!”
PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
As we move forward now, with our clear orders to "Be and Make Disciples", show us just how to do this. Make our testimony obvious and prepare us to give the "reason for our hope," Thank you for Jesus, thank you for Easter. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JUDY WEBB
I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.
Judy, this is an amazing devotional. It was the beginning of the Christian church as the disciples met together and prayed. You brought me into the horror of this time. Good work.