Daily Scripture Threshing for Friday, June 14, 2024
Today’s Text: Acts 1:6-11
Key Verse: Acts 1:11 (ESV): "And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”"
Following the ascension of Jesus Christ, our Lord, the disciples were left standing in awe, gazing into heaven, unsure of what to do next. They were mesmerized by their ascending Master. Who would not be?! So, why would the angels question why they stood gazing into heaven? They provably were not surprised about the disciples' surprises, but by "why stand ye gazing," the angels were calling the disciples to action: a reminder that there is work to be done.
The statement, "Why stand ye" is both an admonition and a gentle rebuke so that they may wake up, grow up, and focus on the task they have already clearly received rather than being lost in the euphoria of a singular spiritual event. The task ahead leaves no luxury of dwelling on the past. No, we can't build no tabernacle on the mountain. We are not permitted to be carried away by the awe of mood or event talkless of standing idle. None of us is called to stand gazing into heaven. We are to engage with the world around us. If you're a believer that is too busy with your head burried in the sky while failing the mission you are called to fulfill: you are stuck, like the disciples, in gazing up to heaven. You probably need some rebuke or charge.
There will always be a move of the Holy Spirit that would daze us. We'd always be awestruck by unbelievable yet undeniable evidence of God's power. But we are not to let such events blind us of our beckoning duties. Genuine evidence of the miraculous is when there is a true connection between spiritual mountain top encounter and the assignment in the valley of action (the Great Commission). That is the essence of the Holy Spirit's empowerment of us to witness and serve.
Come to think of it: today's gazing upon the heavens may be our endless selfish prayer mountains in the name of claiming and receiving God's promises instead of focusing on His return and the work before us. Following Christ is not a festive journey but a faithful pursuit; a life of surrender, not a life of self-indulgence, where our purpose is found in serving the Lord, not seeking earthly delights. It is high time we wake up from this slumber and allow the Holy Spirit to move us from our gazing to sharing the Good News of our glorified savior with a world in need.
Quote for the Day: "Christianity is not a carnival of convenience, but a calling to consecrated service; a life of purpose, not a life of leisure, where worship meets work and faith fuels sacrifice." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the reminder that our Christian walk is not a carnival of convenience but a calling to consecrated service. Help us to embrace this life of purpose, where worship meets work and faith fuels sacrifice. May our lives be a faithful pursuit of your will, a life of surrender, and not self-indulgence. May our purpose be found in serving you and not seeking earthly delights. Empower us by your Holy Spirit to live a life of service, humility, and devotion. May our hearts be focused on your kingdom and not our own desires — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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