Now Is The Time: Acts Adult JourneySample

JESUS REIGNS!

PRAY:

Father, help me see more clearly the active supremacy of your Son in my life, and in my world.

READ:

Acts 17.1-34

Unemployment. Hurricanes. Cancer. Terrorism. Wars. The world experiences suffering every minute of every day with no end in sight. There are billions of people who have no knowledge of Christ and the hope he can bring to their wretched lives. Many seem to ask, is anyone in charge? The book of Acts declares, using one case study after another: Jesus is in charge! Flowing from the opening drama of Jesus’ ascension (and coronation), each chapter paints for us implications of Christ’s on-going rule at the Father’s right hand. Day after day, place after place, person after person, we discover that Jesus actively reigns over all.

Acts 17 provides two excellent examples: In Thessalonica, Jesus’ reign is manifested through the impact of Paul sharing with others that Jesus is the Messiah (God’s “anointed one” who rules forever). Luke reports that the good news that Jesus’ reign is active is “upsetting things everywhere” (v 6) by overturning the status quo. In Athens, Paul wraps up his lecture to Greek intelligentsia by declaring that God “has set a day when he will judge the world’s people with fairness. And he has chosen the man Jesus to do the judging for him” (v 31a). At that time, everyone will have to acknowledge Jesus’ supremacy. Therefore, Paul warns, we need to submit to Christ’s saving lordship now in ways that reflect how we will submit to him as judge when he returns.

We can follow Jesus with absolute confidence because he remains the hope of the earth and of our lives, and because without interruption, Jesus reigns!

REFLECT:

Where have you seen evidence of the reign of Jesus recently? In what areas of your life do you want to witness more demonstrations of Christ’s supremacy? What are you asking God for specifically?

RESPOND:

Jesus is above all and over all. Ask God to prepare you to see Jesus’ kingdom manifested here on earth in your daily life.

Father, I rejoice that your Son’s reign brings fresh hope to my world and to my generation. Manifest more of Jesus’ power in my walk with him. Let me experience his reign like the refreshing showers that come in spring.