The Unstoppable Mission of Jesus — Acts 1:1–11 | Video Devotion with Dave Miers
Sep 8, 2026 25705
Have you ever started something but kept a way out, just in case? Maybe you took a new job but kept an eye on the next opportunity. Maybe you moved to a new city but kept the house back home. We hedge our bets because so much in life is uncertain. Keeping an escape hatch open can feel sensible.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Today we begin a series in the book of Acts. And this book invites us to go all in on the mission of Jesus. Not to hedge our bets, but to trust the risen King and give ourselves to the work he is doing in the world.
As Acts begins, we meet people who have witnessed something extraordinary. They have seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion. Now he is preparing them for a mission that will reach the end of the earth.
The gospel story so far
Acts is part two of Luke’s account. His first volume tells the story of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Luke carefully investigated the testimony of eyewitnesses so that his reader, Theophilus, could have certainty about what he had been taught.
Why does this matter? Big claims were made about Jesus that have implications for every single person. If it is true, we can bank our lives on it.
Listen to how Luke begins his second volume:
Acts 1:1
[1] In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, (ESV)
Notice that word began. And so in the book of Acts, Luke tells us how Jesus continues his work. His earthly ministry is followed by his heavenly ministry, as he works through his Spirit and his apostles.
The Jesus who continues this work is the same Jesus who suffered and rose again,
Acts 1:3
[3] He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. (ESV)
Jesus lived the perfect life we have failed to live. He willingly died the death that sinners deserve. Then he rose again. For forty days, he appeared to his apostles and taught them about God’s kingdom. They heard him, saw him, and ate with him. Their confidence rested on the reality of the risen Jesus.
Now, before they go anywhere, Jesus tells them to wait. The Father has promised the Holy Spirit, and Jesus will supply the power they need.
The gospel spreading game plan
The disciples ask whether Jesus will now restore the kingdom to Israel. Their hope for restoration grows out of God’s promises. Jesus directs them to leave the timing with the Father and tells them how his worldwide mission will unfold.
Check out this key verse that sets up the whole book
Acts 1:8
[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (ESV)
This is the gospel spreading game plan. The message of the King will spread through people empowered by his Spirit. These are ordinary people entrusted with extraordinary news: Jesus has died, Jesus has risen, and forgiveness is proclaimed in his name.
There is a promise here that gives substance to their commission. Jesus assures them that they will receive power and become his witnesses. The mission depends on the provision of the risen King.
The mission of Jesus continues
As the apostles watch, Jesus is lifted up, and a cloud takes him from their sight. Two heavenly messengers stand beside them:
Acts 1:11
[11] and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (ESV)
Jesus will return. His departure opens a new stage in his work. Between his ascension and his return, his people have a message to share.
The apostles were eyewitnesses. We were not there, but we have received their testimony in Scripture. The good news has travelled all the way to people like us, and we are invited to continue making King Jesus known.
Today, that invitation remains open to give ourselves wholeheartedly to Christ and his mission. For some, that begins with trusting him for the first time. For others, it means committing ourselves afresh to the work he has placed before us, depending on his Spirit.
The Good News is…
The King who sends us is the Saviour who gave himself for us. Jesus died on the cross in our place and for our sin, and rose again to offer forgiveness and life to all who trust him. He reigns today and will return. We can entrust ourselves to him and join his mission with confidence, because the risen Jesus continues to work through ordinary people empowered by his Spirit.
Like and share so others can see Jesus clearly.
Further reading: Acts 1:1-11
Reflection
Where are you holding back from trusting Jesus and giving yourself to his mission? How does his promise to empower ordinary people encourage you to respond?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited