Fri. July 25th :: Acts 1 :: Three Part Harmony

On 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 you
have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days
you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

(Acts 1.4-5)

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In a very general sense, it might be helpful to think of the Bible in three parts.

In the first part, the Old Testament, Yahweh (or God the Father) reveals himself to the family of Abraham and promises to use them to bless the world.

In the second part, the gospels, Jesus (or God the Son) steps onto the scene as a part of Abraham’s family and, through the cross and resurrection, becomes the means by which God blesses the world. Through his atoning death he reconciles humanity to God the Father and provides a way for us to in right relationship with our Creator.

Then in the third part, the rest of the New Testament, beginning here in Acts, the ‘Breath’ of Jesus (or God the Holy Spirit) fills ordinary people like us, and empowers them to join their Creator in fixing a broken world.

This is of-course an oversimplification, but it may be helpful in understanding the three-fold nature of God, and the Bible.

Now for the obvious question:
WHAT THE HECK DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ACTS CHAPTER ONE?

I find it interesting that even after the disciples have seen Jesus resurrected, Christ tells them to wait before beginning to spread the good news (gospel). They are to wait, on the Holy Spirit.

It’s as if Jesus is saying to them: “You can’t do this on your own! It’s not enough to know the facts about me. You need my Spirit (or breath, or wind, in the Greek language) moving you along, or this whole project is doomed to fail. You can’t do it on your own! All the planning and knowledge in the world is not enough!”

I need to hear that too.

Often in the church we think that if we can just get the right strategy or game-plan, then we will reach people for Jesus. If we just attend the right conferences or read the right 7-step books on leadership or whatever, then we’ll be successful.

Yet Jesus contradicts that mindset.

And he tells us now, as he did back then: to wait on the Holy Spirit.

Because we can’t do it alone.

So here’s what I’m praying today:
Lord send your Spirit to guide me.
I can’t do anything on my own.
I need you.
And through that Spirit, reveal to me how I can serve you today.
Amen.

What's your prayer?