“The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen.” Acts 1:1-2 (NAU)
Have you ever considered Luke’s introduction in this letter to Theophilus? It informs us Luke had already written about the actions and teaching of Christ up to the time of his ascension into the heavens. In addition, Luke hints that prior to his ascension Jesus had spent time with his disciples issuing their orders for expanding his Kingdom. (Compare Matthew 21:33; 25:14; Mark 13:34; Luke 19:12-13).
Think about that. He didn’t give them a “do-better-talk.” He didn’t give them a few “commandments-to-live-by.” Rather, Luke used a military term to explain what Jesus did. As the King about to return to the Eternal Father’s house, he issued orders to those with whom he is entrusting his Kingdom.
Through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, his apostles expanded the Lord’s Kingdom to encompass their world. Maybe we should ask, what are his orders for us?
By the same Holy Spirit power, we can also obey his orders and expand his Kingdom in our world.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Forgive us our faults and failures, the sins that so easily entrap us. Enable us with your power to obey all your orders. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his Kingdom and live to his glory,