In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
Acts 1:1-4

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:26

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him,  for he lives with you and will be in you.
John 14:16-17

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Learning to ride a bike is both thrilling and terrifying. I remember riding confidently down the sidewalk with my training wheels, trying to balance the wheels and keep the handlebars straight so I would be ready when it was time to take off the training wheels. The time came to remove them, and as my dad’s hand steadied the back of my seat, I pedaled faster to balance on my own. At first, I depended entirely on him. His voice cheered me on, and his presence gave me courage. But then came the moment he let go. I was riding solo—but not really. Though I couldn’t see him, I could still hear his voice, and I knew he was near, ready to help if I fell.

As I ruminated on today’s passage, my mind wandered to this memory and I realized this experience mirrors the experience of the Apostles after Jesus’ resurrection. The apprehension and excitement I felt while preparing for the training wheels to come off was similar to what the Disciples felt in the 40 days Jesus stayed with them—teaching, encouraging, proving that He was truly alive, and empowering them for the next part of their mission. He gave them one final command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised.” That gift was the Holy Spirit—God’s own presence to dwell in them, guide them, and empower them. The Holy Spirit would be how they would continue to ride after Jesus let go of their seat.

The Disciples needed to trust in the Holy Spirit just like I did when my father let go of the bike—not to abandon me, but to let me grow. Jesus ascended so the Spirit could come and be with each of us, always (John 14:16-17). This is our parting gift, too. The same Spirit that helped Peter preach with boldness and Paul spread the Gospel across continents now dwells in us—comforting, teaching, and witnessing. 

Next Steps

Take a deep breath and notice the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. Can you feel Him? If you’re struggling, feeling wobbly, or feeling uncertain, know this: you’re not alone. The Holy Spirit dwells in you! Invite Him in. Ask for help. Open your heart to His guidance. You may not see Him, but like a loving parent running behind the bike, He’s there—steadying, whispering, leading.

Did you hear? Throughout this series, we’re reading the book of Acts as a church. Take a look at the reading plan and join in!