Joshua 5-6
Psalm 33
Acts 1
-Devotion by John Railton (IN)
Both the US and Israel have fought some amazingly strategic and successful battles in recent times, but none have been so strategic and successful as Israel’s victory over the city of Jericho! Who would have thought marching around the city every day, and then seven times on day seven would have brought the walls tumbling down? Some believe the city was built upon a fault, and that the marching disrupted the stability of the earth. Could be! Of course, it was God’s strategy, God’s instructions, God’s victory! It’s one of the most amazing and most loved battle stories in the Bible. We also see here the fulfillment of the promise two spies had made to Rahab, to save her and all her people that were safely within her home. They had offered her salvation, upon adherence to the terms. She followed it exactly, and they were saved.
Read again Psalm 33. Notice again we’re commanded to worship the LORD in numerous ways. Consider again the reasons he’s worthy! His word is right! He is always faithful! He loves righteousness! The earth is full of his love! He created merely by speaking his word! His plans stand firm! He watches over those who fear him! I suppose we’re all impatient at times, but we can always trust God will absolutely do as he says. It doesn’t matter how long it may take; He will always do as he says. Here are the last three verses, “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you!” (Psalm 33:20-22)
Acts 1 is a beautiful introduction to a new era. It was written by Dr. Luke, who had also written the gospel of Luke. In the gospel he had reported all that Jesus began to do and to teach. He now reports much of the history of the very early church, especially featuring two great apostles – Peter and Paul. We’ll here note just a few highlights from chapter 1.
Verse 3 tells us what Jesus did with his followers for the 40 days he remained on earth after his resurrection. He spoke about the Kingdom of God. That should come as no surprise. The good news of the Kingdom of God (sometimes referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven – same thing) was his absolute favorite topic. He began his ministry preaching the KOG, continued his ministry preaching the KOG, and wrapped up his ministry focusing on the KOG! We ought to follow his lead in our ministry today. In fact, I would suggest that any gospel message that does not focus on the KOG is inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient.
Verses 4-8 include a lot. He told his men to stay in Jerusalem until they were baptized (filled, immersed) with the holy spirit. In a sense that is the power of God, and it would enable them to be witnesses for Jesus. Numerous other purposes for the holy spirit are given, especially in the book of John. Verse 6 is interesting. It’s no surprise his disciples asked if he would immediately restore the kingdom to Israel, because it must have seemed that’s all he talked about. Again, this would suggest the meat of our ministry and message must focus on the KOG! Verse 8 is for all intents and purposes, an outline of the book of Acts.
Verses 9-11 report the ascension of Jesus into heaven, and the promise that this same Jesus would return in the same manner. That is as sure a promise as any. Every New Testament writer at least mentions the return of Jesus. Verses 12-14 then make note that his men returned to Jerusalem (as instructed) and that they joined together constantly in prayer. This would suggest their dedication to the Lord and the task at hand. They must have been at a loss, with Jesus disappearing on them, and needed direction. The rest of the chapter talks about the foolish reaction of Judas when he realized what he’d done, as well as Pater’s recommendation they they replace Judas with another.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever fought a battle, enjoyed a victory, and felt the Lord was behind it all?
- Following the lead of Psalm 33, name some of your own observations as to why God is worthy of our worship. What are some specific ways you worship?
- If the book of Acts is about the acts of the Apostles, or perhaps the acts of Jesus through his apostles, what acts for the Lord are you doing? If someone wrote about your ministry, what would be included?
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, thank you for the victories we can have when we trust and obey you. Help me to worship you in numerous ways, in new ways. Thank you for the hope of the Kingdom of God! Thank you for those who shared that good news with me and those who’ve taught me about it. Use me to do that for others. Help me to be an agent for your coming kingdom. Help me to be a witness for Jesus, for the message of the kingdom. Help me to bring it into conversations. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!”
Seek Grow Love 