DAY 2 - Acts 1:9-11

Just waiting or preparing?

It must have been an amazing moment - to see Jesus transported away from the earth and be hidden by the clouds. Those first disciples would have understood that this meant Jesus was now returning to his Father in heaven. That was the significance of the clouds. Throughout the Old Testament God’s presence was frequently symbolized by a cloud. They would remember that it was by a cloud that God led the Israelites through the wilderness, that when the Temple was completed a cloud filled it so even the priests couldn’t enter it and three of them had seen a cloud descend on the mount of transfiguration. Each time it meant
God was present.

It's not surprising that for a moment they stood looking into the sky. They were transfixed by the significance of what they had just seen but they had things to do.

At times Christians can get so caught up with their experiences of God that they forget about the urgency of mission. We are not just called to wait for Jesus’ return but to prepare for it. People from every nation, tribe and tongue are to form part of the welcoming party at his return and we are called to recruit them!

 Prayer Points
1. Pray for those people who you will meet today who don’t know Jesus as Saviour and Lord.
2. Christ’s ascension means he was victorious over death and sin. Ask for His victory to be evident in your life today.
3. Pray for the church leaders that they will have wisdom as they lead the people of God as we prepare for Jesus' return.

[post based on King's Church Catford "40 days" devotional notes]