The Counsel of Jesus After His Resurrection

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts 1:1-9

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12

After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days to instruct His church on how to build the sanctuary of the New Testament Church. Jesus knew what struggles would be ahead of His church and He gave them counsel so that they in turn to counsel others. The disciples wondered if He was going to re-establish the kingdom of Israel on Earth and Jesus firmly denied that His kingdom would be on this Earth in the near future. Other Scriptures indicate that He will re-establish His kingdom in the Earth made new but not now. His kingdom is a spiritual kingdom and is to happen in the heart and mind of each individual and united in the church to do service for Him. God wanted His people to go out into the world and testify of what Jesus had done to them and in them. But before they went out they were to wait for His gift of the Holy Spirit and then go out and do service for Him.

Prayer for Today: God, grant us this power as well and give us a message of recovery in Jesus. Help us to be able to share these thoughts in a manner that You can approve of. Help us not to try to force people but to share our experience, strength, and hope, and give them freedom to choose. Thank You for all You have done for us and continue to walk with us that we may accomplish Your thoughts and Your holy will for us and for all of the people in the world.