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Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-14 "THE REVERIE OF THE DISCIPLES"

Day 363 – Luke 24

Text: Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-14

THE REVERIE OF THE DISCIPLES

The Disciples enjoyed the last walk with their beloved Teacher. They were greatly privileged to have had His company for the last forty days after His resurrection. How unforgettable was the scene where He lifted up His hands to bless them. Luke poignantly recorded that last scene.

“Now it came to pass, while He blessed them,
that He was parted from them and
carried up into heaven,
And they worshipped Him…”
Luke 24:51,52

In his sequel, the Acts of the Apostles, Luke noted that the Disciples must have gazed at the sky long after Jesus had disappeared from view.

“Now when He had spoken these things,
while they watched, He was taken up,
and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven
As He went up, behold, two men stood by them
In white apparel, who also said,
‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up to heaven?
This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven,
Will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:9-11

The angels of course understood and appreciated the sentiments of the Disciples. However, there was a practical side to things that needed their attention. They were to return to Jerusalem. They were to prepare themselves for the Holy Spirit to come upon them and to imbue them with special power to bear witness for the Lord.

The practical words of the angels jolted and woke the Disciples from their reverie. They must focus on an important truth. The Lord Jesus would return for them one day. Meanwhile, they have been given an important task to do. They must make necessary preparation for the task ahead. They had a Great Commission to fulfill.

IN THE CITY THAT HAD CONDEMNED JESUS

The Disciples made their way back to Jerusalem. Jesus had commanded them to stay in Jerusalem. He had a plan to take the city by storm. Their base would not be Galilee but Jerusalem. This was the city that had condemned and crucified Jesus. This was the great capital of Palestine. It would be the first city that would hear the powerful message of the Gospel of the Risen Saviour. The renewed Disciples of Jesus would begin their work in this rebellious city. If they succeeded in Jerusalem, they would succeed anywhere and everywhere else. But first they had to prepare themselves to be endued with power from on high.

The Disciples organized themselves so that they would be ready for the day when the Spirit of God would come upon them. They held elections so that they could fill the place made vacant by Judas Iscariot.

Most importantly, the Disciples gathered themselves to pray together. The Gospels never recorded any prayer meeting organized by the Disciples. They had fallen asleep on a prayer watch on the night Jesus was betrayed. They had learned their lessons well. They would now make up for all the mistakes that they had made. They would now keep themselves well occupied in meaningful prayer.

Luke recorded the names of all the eleven apostles, starting with Peter (Cf. Acts 1:13). He also noted the women disciples were present at the Prayer Meetings.

“These all continued with one accord in prayer
and supplication…”
Acts 1:14

At last, the words of Jesus had taken root in their hearts. His example of praying in the Garden of Gethsemane must have been indelibly etched in their minds! They must make every effort to emulate their Master’s example.

Besides, they had learned so many lessons concerning how they should pray. They must have remembered how Jesus would often remind them,

“That men always ought to pray
and not lose heart…”
Luke 18:1

What better time than now to put into practice what Jesus had taught? They had just spent precious moments with their beloved Master, how could they but pray?

THE CONTINUING MINISTRY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

Many are not aware that Jesus’ ministry did not end when He returned to Heaven. Far from it, for Jesus had only gone to take up new responsibilities in Heaven. The Book of Hebrews teaches us that Jesus continues to minister on our behalf as our Great High Priest. The Author the Book of Hebrews urged his readers to understand and appreciate the ministry of the Risen Christ. Let us appreciate the “new” role of Jesus our High Priest.

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest
who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace
That we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14, 16