Day 1 - Concord Students Journey

Concord Students 40 Day Journey Together!

Day 1

Note to students: Take time to read Acts 1:1-11 before starting this devotion. Let me know you completed the devotion if you can! Remember to pray today and to fast something during that time (it does not have to be food that you give up). You are not alone! I love you and there is nothing you can do about it.

Empowered to Witness

Introduction: The Book of Acts is the story of the early church and how it grew and spread throughout the world. In chapter one, we see Jesus' final instructions to his disciples before he ascended into heaven. These instructions are not just for the disciples at that time, but for all of us who follow Jesus today. As we explore Acts 1:1-11, let's consider how we can be empowered to witness and share the good news of Jesus with those around us.

Verse 1-3: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

In these verses, we see that Jesus spent 40 days with his disciples after his resurrection, teaching them about the kingdom of God. He also promised them that they would receive the Holy Spirit, which would empower them to be witnesses for him. This same promise is available to us today. The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide, and he gives us the power we need to live for Jesus and share his love with others.

Discussion Question: How have you experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Verse 4-5: Wait for the Promise

Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. They were not to go out and try to share the gospel on their own strength, but to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit. This is an important reminder for us as well. We can't share the gospel effectively without the Holy Spirit's help. We must wait on God and seek his guidance before we try to witness to others.

Discussion Question: What are some ways you as a student can wait on God and seek his guidance before sharing the gospel with others?

Verse 6-8: The Power to Witness

In these verses, the disciples asked Jesus if he was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus replied that it was not for them to know the times or seasons, but that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This is a reminder that we are called to be witnesses for Jesus, no matter where we are. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us share the gospel with boldness and confidence.

Discussion Question: What are some ways you can be a witness for Jesus in your community, church, or school?

Verse 9-11: The Ascension of Jesus

In these final verses, we see Jesus ascend into heaven as the disciples looked on. The angels told them that Jesus would come back in the same way he left. This is a reminder that Jesus is coming back, and we must be ready to meet him. It's also a reminder that we have a job to do while we wait for his return. We are called to share the gospel and make disciples, knowing that Jesus will return one day to establish his kingdom on earth.

Discussion Question: How does the promise of Jesus' return motivate you to live your life?

Conclusion: The Book of Acts begins with a reminder that we are not alone in our witness for Jesus. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to help us, and we are called to be witnesses for Jesus wherever we go. As we seek to follow Jesus and share his love with others, let's remember that we are part of a larger story that began with the disciples in Jerusalem and continues to this day. May we be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses for Jesus, knowing that he will return one day to establish his kingdom on earth.