The Gift

Acts 1:1-11

In the book of Acts, the writer (whom most Bible experts agree to be Luke, a

non-Jewish physician) tells the story of what happened after Jesus was taken up

into Heaven.  The first eleven verses, however, explain that Jesus gave instructions

to His apostles before He ascended into the sky.  Jesus told the men to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the gift that God had promised, that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5.)  Jesus goes on to tell His apostles that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8.)

During this gift-giving season, no gift can compare to the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Scripture tells us that Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit as a comforter and advocate in His absence (John 14:16.)  In my Bible Dictionary, the word “comforter” is defined as a title for the Holy Spirit which means “to strengthen” or “to bolster.”  The same dictionary explains that as the advocate, the Holy Spirit provides power for world wide evangelism (Acts 1:8) and will abide with believers forever (John 14:16.)

Prayer:  Dear Lord, We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Melinda Burk