Daily Devotion for July 8, 2024

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Acts 1:4-11.

At the end of his gospel, Luke tells how Jesus instructed his apostles to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the gift he has promised. Remember that Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, and he continues that thought here with Jesus again reminding the apostles to remain in Jerusalem. The gift he had promised was the Holy Spirit, it came upon them on Pentecost, and they immediately went out to preach the Good News of Christ. Here, Jesus told them they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and all over the world.

We see this as our mission as well – to be witnesses where we are, in our own neighborhoods and communities. Some of us are to serve and witness in other parts of our nation, and some are even to go to places where we will be viewed as enemies and not welcome. Finally, we are to spread the Good News all over the world. At Jesus’ ascension, two men in white asked the apostles why they were standing and looking into the sky. It is as if he was saying, “You have a mission from Christ, so get to it!” Perhaps that is a good reminder to us!

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, Almighty God, for letting us share in your mission here on earth. We are amazed that you have entrusted your church and the task of sharing the Good News to us. We are not worthy, but we pray for your guidance as we focus on the mission you have given us. Amen.