The Reaction Acts 1:9-26
“ God chose these men for the greatest task on earth, ever.!!’ Three Reactions (1) Expectant Hope, v.11 (2) Expectant Obedience, v.12,13 (3) Expectant Prayer, v.14,24 “ God chose these men for the greatest task on earth, ever.!!’
Expectant Hope After 40 days, Jesus was gone never to return again until the end, `lifted up…took him out of their sight…taken up from you…` The initial reaction is shock, `why do you stand looking up…`, v.11 The wake up call, v. 11, `This Jesus…will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven` This marked the beginning of a new era of ministry for Jesus & them. Their hope now would be in his heavenly reign, his promised physical return and immediate gift of the Holy Spirit to carry His ministry on earth, in the in-between time.
Expectant Obedience V.12, says, `Then they returned to Jerusalem…` They obeyed his command in v. 4 Luke 24:52 tells us that they returned worshipping God, full of joy and they blessed God continually in the temple. An understanding and conviction of the truth leads to obedience.
Expectant Prayer V. 14 says that they then devoted themselves to prayer Persistent praying, `…continually devoted…` United praying, `…all…with one accord…` Dependent praying, `…Lord…show which one…you have chosen to take the place…` ``Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God`` William Carey