3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:3-11

Questions for Reflection:

Think through your own struggle with "waiting" on God or others. Why is waiting hard? What is it about waiting that is good for followers of Jesus?

In what way are you tempted to "take over" situations (like the disciples apparently were suggesting) rather than be a Jesus witness along the journey?

How does it feel to let yourself rest in the fact that "Jesus is in charge" as His ascension clearly attests?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my authority, rule, and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way.

I receive all the work and triumph in Your Ascension, through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus, and You are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever.

I take my place now in Your authority and in Your throne, through which I have been raised with You to the right hand of the Father and established in Your authority. I give myself to You, to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and Your throne; I receive it with thanks and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will.

I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus; I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.

Jesus, I love You! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus!

Amen and Amen