gifts from above
“Go, therefore, and make disciples…” —Matthew 28:19
In the moments before He ascended, Jesus told His disciples: “See, I send down upon you the promise of My Father” (Lk 24:48-49). “Then He led them out near Bethany, and with hands upraised, blessed them. As He blessed, He left them, and was taken up to heaven” (Lk 24:50-51), “and took His seat at God’s right hand” (Mk 16:19). “When He ascended on high, He…gave gifts to men…[He] ascended high above the heavens, that He might fill all men with His gifts” (Eph 4:8, 10).
In the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), we “are clothed with power from on high” (Lk 24:49). In this Holy Spirit power, let us use our spiritual gifts to go and make disciples (Mt 28:19). This is God’s plan. Jesus had to leave planet earth so we could go out on mission. Jesus ascended (Eph 4:8-13) so we could rise up and get to work.
Let’s wait for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit (Lk 24:49). “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22), and all the gifts of the Spirit He offers to you. Then let’s carry out the mission Jesus entrusted to us.
Prayer: “May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, grant you a spirit of wisdom and insight to know Him clearly” (Eph 1:17).
Promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you.” —Acts 1:8
Praise: “Then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took His seat at God’s right hand” (Mk 16:19).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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