Monday Devo
Scripture:
Luke 24:47-49
47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
Commentary:
2:38; 10:48. to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. See Acts 1:8.
24:48 witnesses of these things. As eyewitnesses, the disciples served as guardians of the gospel tradition (1:2).
24:49 The promise of my Father refers to the Holy Spirit, who had been promised by the Father. The coming of the Holy Spirit had been announced by John the Baptist as a sign that the Messiah had come (Luke 3:15–17). The Holy Spirit would enable the disciples to fulfill their commission as Jesus’ witnesses (cf. Acts 1:8). The futuristic present (“I am sending”) emphasizes the certainty of the Spirit’s coming. But stay in the city until (cf. Acts 1:4).
24:48 witnesses of these things. As eyewitnesses, the disciples served as guardians of the gospel tradition (1:2).
24:49 The promise of my Father refers to the Holy Spirit, who had been promised by the Father. The coming of the Holy Spirit had been announced by John the Baptist as a sign that the Messiah had come (Luke 3:15–17). The Holy Spirit would enable the disciples to fulfill their commission as Jesus’ witnesses (cf. Acts 1:8). The futuristic present (“I am sending”) emphasizes the certainty of the Spirit’s coming. But stay in the city until (cf. Acts 1:4).
Questions:
- The church in our western culture has embraced a consumeristic approach. We church shop and church hop, and very few are committed and plugged into a church over a long period of time. Consumers don't contribute. When we started The City, it was never our intention to simply grow a big church. It was, and is, our goal to build a family of disciples that make disciples. We teach tough messages straight from Scripture when it seems most people just want a feel-good sermon. And, strangely enough, we've seen tremendous growth over the past year or two! Have you ever had a more consumeristic mindset when it comes to church? What changed? What do you think it is about our approach to ministry that is connecting with people in our city?
- In the last few verses of Luke 24, Jesus ascends into heaven. But before He ASCENDS, He SENDS! He not only sends His followers that were there that day, He sends all of us. Jesus COMMANDS us to GO into all nations, carrying the message of the Gospel. We don't get an option. We are ambassadors for Christ. We are ALL in full-time ministry! Your job or career is just your mission field. This might be a tough question, but be as honest as you can... What grade would you give yourself when it comes to Jesus' command for YOU to go and share His message in YOUR mission field? How many people have you brought to faith in Christ? How many people are you discipling?
Pray:
- That you would aim to be a contributor to your church, not a consumer.
- That you would have the boldness, through the Holy Spirit, to share Jesus with those in your mission field.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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