MONDAY, January 17
Acts 1.13b-14
“Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
The disciples saw themselves as the new tribes of Israel, like twelve new sons of Jacob. In a stunning reversal, however, instead of the eleven brothers betraying one (Joseph) selling him into slavery, this time the one (Judas) had betrayed them and Jesus, selling his own soul for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 27.3). Surely, the disciples felt the sting of his deceit.
But beautifully Luke reminds us that God is still at work. Along with these heartbroken disciples here in Acts 1 is someone who saw the Spirit of God move through her surrendered obedience in Luke 1: Mary the mother of Jesus. God is about to do a new thing fulfilling His great promise to bless all peoples near and far (Genesis 12.1-3; see also Numbers 6.22-27).
Way to Worship
Twice, Mary experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, first with the conception of the Christ child (Luke 1.31) and soon when the great blessed outpouring on all people, young and old, male and female, will be indwelled with the Spirit of God (Acts 2.1-4).
Suggested Song:
The Blessing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58iF7wv-yMU
La Benedición
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13TuS5egUVI
Way to Wait
Where is your heart unsettled today? Are you carrying a pain like the disciples grieving Judas’ betrayal? Rejoice in the testimony of Mary.
Who is God bringing to mind right now? Spend time speaking God’s blessing over them.
How are you expectant for the move of God today? Bring your full self (body, mind, soul and strength) to a time of worshiping and waiting before the Lord.