02/06/2020
“In my former book, Theophilius, I wrote about all t hat Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men 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. One 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 yo have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 1:2-5)
After the apostles had failed so miserably when they abandoned Jesus on the cross, the risen Lord reestablished them. He gave them new courage and promised them new power for a new mission. They would continue His work on earth and lay the foundation for His church.
The twelve apostles were not appointed by any local church and therefore, were not tied to any one church. They belonged to the entire church as ambassadors at large of he risen Lord.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY:
Precious Abba, the apostles of Jesus’ were reunited with Him and instead of disciplining them for their weakness of hiding when He was on the cross, Jesus gave them new courage and strength of a new power. Beloved, each of has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, yet He is merciful and can use our individual stories to inspire others to follow in the faith that we now live in daily. It is up to us to open our hearts and minds to God’s will today, tomorrow and for ever more. All this we pray in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
“Does your spiritual house need a good Spring cleaning? Ask Jesus to help.”
KNOWING GOD:
“For God who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, we also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.” (Galatians 2:8)
Apostles had different roles in the early church. Peter led the mission to Jews. Paul spearheaded church building among non-Jews. However, both acknowledged the other’s calling and ministry. If you think this wasn’t a “big deal,” then you just don’t understand how big this deal was in the first century!
I AM:
“Church Leaders, Prophets”: (1st Corinthians 14:3-5)
The prophet proclaims God’s message to build up, exhort, and encourage the community. Prophecy is Spirit-inspired speech from God that is intelligible and convicts the hearts of the hearers. Prophets edify the church and not simply themselves. For this reason, Paul preferred the gift of prophecy over that of tongues. Prophecy is to be exercised in a spirit of order and not tumult!
Second Thought of the Day:
“He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon.” (Luke 6:17)
Disciples are not limited to the twelve apostles. All Christians are called to be disciples. A disciple is on committed to follow Jesus Christ as Lord regardless of the cost. Disciples are called to a higher righteousness and are called to make others disciples. Among His many followers Jesus chose twelve for a special role. Similarly, many disciples of Jesus today are chosen to carry out special functions in the life of the church.
Not all can be the head, the eyes, or the ears. Some must be the feet, that is, there must be some specialization among the disciples. No disciple is unimportant to the life of the church body. Everyone has an important function. Do disciple can claim to be more essential than another. Today’s Meditation is intended to reveal to you that there are many ways to be in leadership; yet, none is more important than the other.
Daily Meditation by Rev. Jerry 