Miracles | Midyear Prayer, Fasting, and Consecration (English)نموونە

Acts 1:1–8

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Additional Reading: Luke 24:44–48; Acts 2:1–21

Could you imagine what the disciples may have felt after Jesus’ resurrection? Jesus, their Master, who they knew had been crucified and buried, appeared to them over forty days. He showed them many convincing proofs that He was indeed alive and that everything that had happened to Him had been prophesied in Scripture, including His suffering and resurrection.

Over forty days, He spoke to them once more about the kingdom of God, which is God's reign and rule in people's hearts and lives, bringing about transformation and renewal. Jesus taught that the kingdom of God was already at hand and that it would be fully established at the end of time when He returned in glory to judge the world and renew all things.

The disciples asked Jesus if it was time for Him to restore the kingdom to Israel, which the Jews understood as part of the consummation of the kingdom of God when Christ would establish a political kingdom on earth through which He would rule the nations. However, Jesus sidestepped their question by telling them it was not for them to know when this would be. Jesus would be going away for a while, and they would not know when He would return. Instead, their business was to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. This meant they would continue to advance God’s kingdom on earth through its proclamation and demonstration.

They may have felt nervous as Jesus was going away since they would have to travel across unfamiliar lands, meeting different people from various cultural and religious backgrounds. They probably had their own excuses: many may not have travel experience beyond Judea and Samaria; many had abandoned Jesus and fled in fear; many had not received the advanced religious training of the scribes and Pharisees. Bringing the gospel to the end of the earth would be a daunting task for them. (Imagine how you would have felt if you were in their shoes.)

However, Jesus assured them again that He would send the Holy Spirit. They would never be alone because the Spirit would come upon them. His presence would be more than enough to give them the power and boldness to be His witnesses. The Greek word for “power” is dunamis, which has been translated many times in the Gospels and Acts as “miracles,” “mighty works,” and “miraculous power.” The Spirit would work through them like He had worked through Jesus so that they could proclaim Him to the world.

Days later, Jesus’ promise came to pass. The Holy Spirit came upon them in power, and they spoke in foreign languages they had not previously learned. This opened the door for Peter to proclaim the gospel to many Jews from different parts of the Roman Empire. God indeed worked in them to proclaim the gospel, and His miraculous power was displayed through them.

This week, as we reflect on how the Spirit empowered disciples of all sorts to proclaim the gospel of God’s kingdom and be channels of His miracles, let us expect God to build our faith. As we see God move, our hope is that we, too, can be conduits of His power so that Christ may be known in all the earth.

• Pray that you would hear God clearly when He speaks to you as you pray, fast, and seek Him this week.
• Write down at least ten of your perceived limitations and inadequacies to being a witness of Christ. When you are done, cross each one out and write across each, “Can be overcome by the presence and power of the Spirit.”
• List three to five people you know who need a miracle and to whom you can present the gospel. Ask God for an opportunity to pray for their needs and minister to them this week. Trust that God would meet their needs in a powerful way.

Father of glory, may Your Spirit enlighten the eyes of my heart to know You, the hope to which You have called us, and the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward and through us who believe in You. Grant that I may continue to speak Your word with all boldness while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your holy servant Jesus. I thank You that Your Spirit is always with me. Amen.