Acts 1:3, 8-11 (NLT)
3 During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”.
Have you ever been to a horse race or watched the horses racing in the Kentucky Derby? I’ve never experienced it in person; however, watching on television I remembered hearing the announcer saying, “And They’re Off!” This announcement was said as the horses left the starting gate and galloped down the track. In those moments, one could imagine people anxiously watching the horses taking off, and hoping that the horse they placed their bet on would win. Before the race starts, the jockey is not sure how he and his horse will finish, but most importantly, all who start the race are expected to finish.
In life, as we begin the journey, in believing and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are following the Plan of Salvation (Acts 2:38); it’s the start of a race that we all must strive to finish with a great ending. So, how is that possible? In order to win a race, we must keep our eyes on the prize which is heaven. Paul the Apostle said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippian 3:14, KJV). During our journey, we can’t compare ourselves to others that are beside us running the race, however, we must keep our eyes on Jesus and encourage other believers to do the same. In addition, Paul also encourages the church by saying, “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing”(1 Thessalonians 5:11).
After completing discipleship class at my church, my teacher took the time to take me to lunch. She taught the importance of having an accountability partner on this journey to help us stand firm on the biblical teachings we were taught. I can clearly remember her saying, “No man left behind” in this race.
As Christians, we will experience trials, tribulations, even moments of doubt and fear. Although Jesus' disciples walked with Him, He knew that Peter was going to deny Him, Judas was going to betray Him, and Thomas was going to doubt that He was the Messiah. However, despite their shortcomings, Jesus never gave up on them but continued to mentor, teach, encourage, and pray for them. The Lord said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So, when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32, NLT). Praying for one another is essential in order to stay on course.
In the book of Acts 1:3, Jesus appeared to His Apostles from time to time, during the forty days after He suffered and died. He proved in many ways that He was alive because He knows we are human; disbelief and fear will creep into our hearts. However, there is good news! Despite our weakness, His strength is made perfect. Although the Apostles didn’t know when Jesus would return, He didn’t leave them comfortless. The power of the Holy Spirit, received on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), allowed them to endure their race. Men were around doubting this power, but in the end saw the power of God in action. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles were able to overcome all things and reveal Gods’ miracle, signs and wonders for the people to believe.
Jesus wants us to have an intimate relationship with Him; through studying His word, fasting, and prayer. Being obedient to the teachings of the Apostles is vital for revival. Solomon, known as the wisest man in the Bible tells us, the race is not given to the swift nor the strong but unto them that endure to the end (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Let us endure as soldiers in the army, holding onto the promises of God. We will put on the full armor of God, knowing that the weapons of our warfare in this world are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Our prayer:
As we continue to run this race, let us continue to look into the perfect law of liberty- the Word of God to be a lamp unto our feet and light unto our path. Let us run for Jesus- being in the race to proclaim this great salvation- to tell it all around the world. What will really matter at the end of our life on earth?
What’s important is that we fulfill our God-given purpose and make heaven our eternal destination. Let us be Heavenly Minded.
Colossians 3:1-2
“Since you have been raised to a new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the thing of heaven, not the things of earth” (NLT).
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