“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
“And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, ‘you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now…’
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” Acts 1:1-5,8-9
Biblically speaking, to give a charge was to bolster that charge with attending promise. The Lord did not command what He would not enable. Luke, writing after Jesus’s ascension, is reminding the disciples of His charge to witness and stoking their anticipation for the coming Spirit He had promised Who would empower this service. Time and again throughout the Scriptures, God’s people given God’s commands were fortified with the promises of God’s presence and power. Those who readily obeyed experienced the fulfillment. (Genesis 12:1-4; Exodus 3:1-17; Joshua 1:1-9; Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus not only promised the Spirit’s help, but that they would meet opposition. The disciples went forth in bold obedience, believing that every promise would come true and Jesus would triumph. He worked through and blessed even their conflicts and persecution. As 19th century British missionary to China Hudson Taylor said, “Depend on it. God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply. He is too wise a God to frustrate His purposes for lack.” (Matthew 10:17-22; 24:9-11; Philippians 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; 2 Timothy 3:12)
How eagerly do we respond to God’s call to a new obedience- a work, relationship, or ministry? Are we reluctant because of insecurity in our abilities, or fear of being stretched, or of the unknown? Do we prefer to remain where things seem easy and without resistance? Would we give attention to search the Bible for confirmation, of both call and provision, then take Him at His word? What promises have we chosen to grip in challenging situations, to stand on when we would otherwise tremble?
The Bible is full of commands that teach us the way to walk as citizens, family members, in recreation, business, our spiritual and church life. It is also rife with promises of wisdom and guidance from God’s word, strength, comfort and help from the Spirit. If we ever feel alone, unable, or anxious, we can claim His pledges to us and in faith proceed. He is always present, able to give abounding grace and ample sustenance, and will see us through as we trust Him. (2 Corinthians 9:8; Colossians 3:12-24; Hebrews 13:5)
Lord, may I promptly take up Your charge, trusting the power of Your word as I give it out. Have Your way, to Your glory!
As the rain and snow 