Luke 24:49
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
Scripture Insights
Easter Sunday is not the end of God’s great story! In many ways, it is only the beginning. The closing words of Luke’s Gospel prepare the way for the book that follows, the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus’s resurrection has made clear what God was revealing throughout the Law of Moses, the Writings of the prophets, and the Psalms. Now everything has been fulfilled in Christ, for he is without a doubt the Messiah.
In Jesus’s post-resurrection appearance to the apostles, he instructs them to stay in Jerusalem. They will become witnesses to what they have never before experienced; they will wait for something new. Their minds have been opened by the risen Lord; they understand the mission more clearly than ever before.
Since the work of God has been accomplished in Christ, the disciples will now proclaim in power the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus to all na- tions. In his instructions, Jesus invokes the Father’s promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
The mission hasn’t changed, nor has the promise of power. Even in a world that is pushing back, we are to proclaim the good news. The power comes not from us but from the Father. The church needs Spirit-empowered disciples to remain focused and on mission. We are not on our own!
Today’s Prayer
Father, let us be mindful to wait for your power so we can boldly and confidently accomplish your mission in the world.
—Carla D. Sunberg
General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene
