Our Three Greatest Priorities

Text: Acts 1:1-11.
Theme: Our ultimate priorities as Christians
Key verses: “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…in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (v. 4-5). “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (v. 8). “‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven'” (v. 11).
What God said to me: Dwayne, there are three clear priorities set forth in these verses. These are the very last instructions and impressions the disciples heard before they lost sight of Jesus in the clouds. As with any “last words” these are hugely important and should be ultimately foremost in your thinking. First, Jesus told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. And so must you. You can do nothing apart from the anointing and filling of the Holy Spirit each and every day. You must be sure you have surrendered yourself afresh each morning. Of course, the Spirit has already moved into you and is a deposit for heaven. You are always the temple of the Holy Spirit. However, you must be filled to overflowing with him, and that requires submission and constant prayer and faith. Secondly, Jesus told his disciples why they were receiving the Holy Spirit and by inference why they were being left behind on earth. They were (and you are) to be my witnesses. You must have the Spirit in order to effectively pull that off. But don’t miss the fact that Jesus prioritized witnessing to this level. He gave no other reason for having the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, notice those were his last words before he ascended. That demonstrates how important being a light to this world should be to you. Finally, the angels told the disciples that Jesus would return “in like manner.” The point you need to grasp is that Jesus will return one day. And you should be looking for his return every day, so you will not be ashamed before him at his coming.
What I said to God: Thank you Father for meeting with me and for speaking to me this morning. I look forward to going through the book of Acts and discovering what you did through the church. Please help me keep my eyes and mind focused on you and looking toward the sky for your coming. It could happen any minute! Fill me with your Spirit, please. I surrender all today.