Rise
Scripture
Text: Acts
1:1-11
I was thrown into total darkness
suddenly. Screams and frantic footsteps were heard.
Soon some people were shouting, “Don’t
move, stay where you are!” However, many continued
to grope in complete darkness, moving one step at
a time. My child who was with me started crying and
our fear increased in magnitude. I prayed a desperate
prayer, with my eyes closed. (for there was nothing
else to see and do!) When I opened my eyes, I saw
a ‘ray of hope’. A security guard had
opened the emergency exit and allowed light to come
through the mall. Imagine our great sense of relief!
I can imagine the great sense
of darkness that must have transcended upon the disciples
and Jesus’ followers, the 3 days following His
Death on the cross. But, with the breaking of dawn,
on the third day, as the sun rays shot through the
darkness of the sky, some women were the first to
experience Hope in Christ, shooting through the realm
of Death.
Yes, because Christ is Risen,
we as Christians, can RISE to all the challenges the
world has thrown upon us. There are lessons that we
can learn from Acts 1:1-11.
Resurrection
proofs that are convincing (v 1-3)
Luke the evangelist, told us that Jesus appeared to
His disciples for 40 days. Paul told us that there
were 500 people who had seen the risen Jesus and could
testify to that. We can be assured that there is enough
convincing evidence. A famous Law Professor had this
to say concerning the resurrection of Christ: “You
may choose to say, I do not believe the resurrection
at all, but you may not say there is a lack of evidence.”
Immersion
in the Holy Spirit that is worth waiting (v 4-5)
The Holy Spirit is the One who will move hearts to
receive the gospel of Christ. He will transform the
lives of the people, as we yield ourselves to be His
instruments. We are privileged to be God’s co-partners.
God can do without us in spreading the gospel, but
He will NOT do without us. He wants us to serve Him
in joyful obedience.
Service
in submission that is inspiring (v 6-8)
The Lord promises to be with us as we carry out His
Command. His Holy Spirit will empower us to complete
the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The other
reason that we have to persevere and obey the Great
Commission is that He will reward us when He comes
back again.
Expectation
of Christ’s return that is rewarding (v 9-11)
This same Jesus will return the same way He had gone
to heaven. God does not lie and He will fulfill this
promise. He is seemingly slow because of His great
love for humankind. Our Father desires all to be saved.
He is patient and waiting for many to return to Him
before Christ’s return.
Prayer
Response
Dear Lord, because you have
RISEN, we have hope and new life. Help us to ARISE
as Your people to follow after You and establish Your
kingdom here on earth.
Devotional based
on message by Ps Leslie Lim