Acts 1 :1-11 Luke tells of the last meetings between Jesus and His disciples before He ascended into heaven.  He spent that time giving them "orders";(v2)  presenting Himself to those He had chosen for 40 days.. giving them "proof" that He was indeed alive; and "speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God."( v3)  Jesus gathered His followers together and reminded them to wait in Jerusalem "to wait for what the Father had promised." (v4)

The promise of the Holy Spirit's  baptism was more important than the restoration of the kingdom of Israel..which was certainly on the minds of the disciples.  Jesus wouldn't answer their questions about that.. He had a different priority.. a greater purpose.. "But.. you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you ; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (v8)

Jesus prepared His disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit and then He ascended into the sky right before their eyes.  It had to be an amazing moment!  They just stood their staring until the angels came and told them to stop!  "This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven , will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." ( v11) 

Vs 12-26  Luke gives a timeline for what happened next.  The disciples went back into Jerusalem, back into the "upper room", and waited as they were told. "These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary , the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."  I love that Luke includes the brothers of Jesus in this list of believers.. they finally believed!  All through the ministry of Jesus on earth they had not accepted Him as the Lord, the Son of God.. now they knew and devoted themselves to prayer!  They would receive the Holy Spirit and be His witnesses too.  What amazing grace. 

Luke tells us what happened to Judas and the election of Matthias to take his place as one of the 12. Scripture was examined and fulfilled in both of these events. 

There is a moment of suspense here... we know what happened next.. and we can almost begin to feel the anticipation that those in the upper room were experiencing.. The  Holy Spirit was coming in a way that had never happened before.. and they had no idea what was about to happen.. 

Father in heaven, we thank You for giving Your children this wonderful promise, this sacred Gift.. .. Your Holy Spirit.. Who came to give us "power" to be Your witnesses.  Fill us continually we pray.  In Jesus' name. Amen.