A response to then came Jesus by Lara Williams :: Week 4, Day 4

The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 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 into 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 ‭1‬:‭1-11‬ NKJV)

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When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” (‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1-13‬ NKJV)

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In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭13-14‬ NKJV)

Advent isn’t just about the birth of Jesus Christ.  It is also about His life on earth, His crucifixion, His resurrection, His ascension, and His future return — all events that are important to our walk of faith as Christians.  But let us not forget another vital aspect — power.  

And not just any power, but power from the Holy Spirit.  The disciples recieved the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem.  The Holy Spirit came and through His power they prophesied to many the great and wonderful works of God.

Many marveled, some mocked, but that did not change the message: God is great and His works are wonderful.

Sometimes I feel like I’m just sitting around waiting for the return of Jesus. Maybe not just sitting around, but going about my daily business with little purpose, with little thought to what or why I am doing what I am doing.

These passages, however, remind me that I have been given the same gift that was given to the disciples — the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This gift has power and a purpose — to proclaim the wonderful works of God.

No, my life is not fancy or fabulous, but it is a life that speaks of grace and redemption.  Grace!  Redemption!  Are these not wonderful works of God!?!  Am I sharing my testimony the way I should to be — they way He would have me?  Or am I just a Christian staring up at the sky?

Lord, I don’t want to live an idle life, one where I simply sit and wait for Your return. I ask, that through the power of the Holy Spirit, my life is lived in a way that proclaims Your wonderful works.  I pray that my daily tasks be a testimony to Your redeeming power and grace.  Take me, use me, stir within me.  In Your name I pray.  Amen.

Are you reading then came Jesus or another advent study?  What is God revealing to you?  Please let me know by leaving a comment.  You can also find out more about Lara Williams and her book then came Jesus here.