The Unfinished Book
The story of Christ on earth didn’t end—it continues in you.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Today’s reflection by Ray Stedman opens the book of Acts not as a historical conclusion, but as a living continuation of Christ’s life on earth. The writer reminds us that Luke's Gospel recorded what Jesus began to do and teach in His physical body, and Acts continues that record—not through the actions of independent believers, but through Christ Himself, now living and acting through His people. This is not merely a shift in method, but a profound unveiling of God's strategy: incarnation is ongoing.
The strategy of God has always been incarnation—making His message flesh and bone. In the Gospels, Jesus embodied the message in His physical body. In Acts, He continues that same embodiment through Spirit-filled believers. Christ doesn’t just work for us, or even just through us—He lives in us. The church, then, is not an institution to observe or an organization to manage, but a living body of people indwelt by Christ Himself.
This is what gives the church her significance. Not her influence, numbers, or programs—but the very life of Christ animating her members. The book of Acts does not end with a formal conclusion, because it was never meant to end. Its final chapter is still being written in the lives of believers who yield to Christ as their life, allowing His story to unfold through theirs.
Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I have not left you as orphans. I have come to you. My life in you is not a symbol, nor a sentiment—it is the reality of your existence. It is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. The life you now live in the flesh you live by faith in Me, the Son of God who loved you and gave Myself for you.
The works you see are not your own striving, but the overflow of My indwelling. I am the vine, and you are the branch; apart from Me you can do nothing. But as you abide in Me and I in you, My life bears fruit through you—fruit that remains. You are My body, and each of you is a part of it. I work through your hands, speak through your mouth, and love through your heart.
This world does not need more activity clothed in religious language. It longs to see the life of the Son of God revealed again in flesh and blood. That is why you were born again—not merely to be forgiven, but to be filled. Filled with all the fullness of God. My power is made perfect in your yieldedness, My strength is revealed through your availability.
So do not be afraid to live as one possessed. The book is still being written, and your page has already been prepared. Walk by faith, and let Me write it.
(Scripture references: John 14:18; Galatians 2:20; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 3:19; 2 Corinthians 12:9)
Real-Life Analogy
You know the feeling when you're writing an email draft, and you stop halfway—then save it, knowing you’ll finish it later? It’s incomplete, but not forgotten. In the same way, imagine the book of Acts as that open draft—left unfinished not due to neglect, but because the Author is still writing through living “letters”—you and me. Every response, every act of mercy, every time we love someone unconditionally—it’s another sentence, another paragraph in the ongoing story of Jesus written through His people. The story isn’t over. You’re part of it.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord Jesus, I rejoice that Your work on earth was not only to save me, but to live through me. Thank You that I am not left to live for You, but that You live Your life in me. I rest in this beautiful truth: the same Jesus who walked the earth now walks in me. The same Spirit that raised You from the dead now breathes in my spirit. I am not the author of this day. You are. And You’ve already written goodness into it. I yield to You and trust You to write through me—with Your love, Your peace, Your power. Let today be a page in Your unfolding story.