Acts 1:9-14 CSB
After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight. [10] While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. [11] They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven." [12] Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem-a Sabbath day's journey away. [13] When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. [14] They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
John 14:12-14 CSB
"Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. [13] Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. [14] If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
United in Prayer
On a clear summer night, I love to gaze up at the stars with my wife. Sometimes we take the trash out together just as an excuse to look up into the heavens. There is a beautiful wonder in seeing all that God created, rather than simply walking with our heads down, viewing the day as it passes.
In the opening of Acts, Jesus’ followers were looking toward Heaven for a different reason. The Son of God—their Savior and ours—was lifted miraculously into the sky. Just as angels appeared to Mary at the empty tomb, these witnesses of a miracle would suddenly hear the voices of angels. Their attention brought back to this world by the angels who asked, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven?” They were given a promise that far exceeded the beauty of any night sky: this same Jesus will come back in the same way He left. They would see the Lord again.
One can only imagine what the followers of Jesus discussed as they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. The walk was less than a mile—what the text calls a Sabbath day’s journey. They had been given an assignment to preach the Gospel to the entire world, they had been promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, and they had just witnessed the miracle of the Son returning to the Father.
When they arrived, the Apostles, the women who followed the Lord, Jesus’ mother Mary, and His brothers all gathered in an upstairs room. They were continually united in prayer. They knew they needed guidance for the road ahead, including the important decision of choosing a replacement for Judas Iscariot.
We, as believers today, should follow their example. We are called to support and pray for one another, especially when facing major decisions. By keeping fellow believers close and assembling in holy prayer and fellowship, we honor the promise that where two or more are gathered in His name, Jesus is there (Matthew 18:20).
Reflection Questions
- Am I living “head down,” focused only on the chores of the day, or am I taking time to look up and remember the promise of Jesus’ return?
- The disciples were “continually united in prayer.” Is there a decision in our personal lives right now that needs to be covered in prayer, or a prayer with fellow believers?
- How can I better support the brothers and sisters in my own church community this week?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the wonder of Your creation and the even greater wonder of Your promises. We thank You for the assurance that just as Jesus ascended to be with You, He will one day return for us. Help us not to stand idle, simply gazing at the sky, but to be active in the mission You have given us. We pray for unity in our churches and our families. May we be a people of prayer, seeking Your guidance in every decision and supporting one another in love. Thank You for being present whenever we gather in Your name.
Amen.
