Acts 1  Luke writes this account of the acts of the apostles.  He begins where he left off in his first book, the gospel of Luke.  Imagine being in the midst of the apostles as the resurrected Jesus spends 40 days with them, sharing "the things concerning the Kingdom of God."  He also answers an important question - "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom of Israel?"   It is a question that we would like to know the answer to as well!   But Jesus answers, " It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority." 

It is not for us to know. Yet, it is comforting to know that the Father has set and fixed the days and seasons and years by His own authority. Our Father in heaven has the ability, the strength, and the power to determine the life span of history and of each of us individually.  We do not know when Jesus will return and end the world as we know it,  and we do not know when our own lives will end here on earth.  But, this one thing we do know - Our Father has it all under control!

Jesus is lifted up into the sky and the disciples stand there gaping - as would we! Again, imagine being there and seeing that!  They were more than ready to obey all His commands, knowing that He was Who He said He was and that His promises were true.  The apostles waited, just like they were told to do, and the Holy Spirit came and filled them all.

Acts 2  On the day of Pentecost, as they were all together in one place, they heard a loud noise, they saw tongues of something that looked like fire, and they were each filled with the Holy Spirit, the promise of the Father.  The first result of this filling was that they spoke up!  " ...we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God".  They weren't trying to speak another language.  They may not even have known that others could understand what they were saying.  They were just proclaiming the works of God! 

Peter stands up and preaches a powerful word about what was happening.  This was prophecy fulfilled. This was about Jesus of Nazareth Whom they had crucified, but Who had risen again.   This was about God's plan of salvation !  " .. This Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.  And God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." ( v23-24)

As this Truth is preached, 3000 lives are changed!  People repent and receive the Word and are baptized .

" Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself. " ( v38-39)

This is the message that we also needed to hear and to receive fully.   This promise is for us and for our children!  As the Lord our God calls us to Himself, let us receive His gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit. Let us speak of His wonderful works and proclaim the Good News!

Father, to You all glory and power and blessing belong. We thank You for calling us to Yourself.  We thank You that, although we were far off, You have brought us near and have saved us from death. We thank You that through Jesus Christ our sins are forgiven!  Fill us once again with Your Spirit we pray.  Amen.