Acts 1:1-2 In my former book Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.

It is extremely significant that Luke specifies he has written about all that Jesus began to do and to teach. (The Japanese even uses the word “began” twice: “began to do, began to teach.”) Luke was not a first hand observer of Jesus’ earthly ministry but he was a close associate of Paul, and he had seen what Jesus continued to do through those who were committed to Him and filled with His Spirit. This is intimately connected with the purpose of the resurrection, because Jesus is not some dead founder of a religion, He is the living Lord and Savior of all who will believe, and He continues to be very active around the world, in and through those who are submitted to Him. The resurrection demonstrated conclusively that even death had no power over Jesus, and it primed the believers to be open to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out on them about 10 days after the ascension. Luke knew by experience that this wasn’t limited to those who were present, either at the ascension or in the upper room, because it had happened to him and he had seen it happen to many others. He didn’t write these words, but he certainly agreed with what John recorded that Jesus said: “It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7) Luke knew without question that the Holy Spirit was the Spirit of Jesus, so every work of the Holy Spirit was something Jesus was doing. When we come to this understanding ourselves, we open up to give the Holy Spirit full rein (reign) and God is glorified as His works are done through us.

I don’t think this was contradicted in any way by how I was taught as I was growing up, but neither was it taught expressly. It wasn’t until I was exposed to the Charismatic Movement around 1973 that I started even thinking seriously about the Holy Spirit. Since then, I have discovered exactly what Luke knew: Jesus indeed continues to work and to teach by His Spirit in and through believers. As a pastor, this is something I earnestly desire to communicate to all the believers, but some are slow to accept it. They have great trouble believing that God could even use them. That is, they see their own weaknesses and failings as more powerful than God! I need to help them understand that none of the original 12 were perfect, and no one since has been perfect, but God has used a lot of people anyway, so they might as well let Him use them. I know from experience the joy of being used by God, and I desire that joy for all the believers!

Father, thank You for this Word. I think You’ve given me the message for the 14th! Thank You for the message You’ve been building in me for the 7th. Guide me now in getting that outline typed, so that the Word may further percolate in me, to be delivered as You desire to accomplish Your purposes in the hearts of all who hear, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!