WITNESS
Last week, we left off reading about how Jesus allows us to Reset. This week, we are going to talk about a special gift Jesus left behind that would change the course of history after Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Giving birth to what we call the Church today.
Luke, one of Jesus’ disciples, picks up as the writer of Acts where he left off in the final chapter of the book of Luke (Luke 24). In Acts, we find Jesus saying goodbye to his disciples before leaving (ascending) to go to Heaven, also known as Jesus’ Ascension. Although, before leaving Jesus promises His disciples they would receive a special gift from the Father to equip them with power from on high. What could this gift be? Could you imagine waiting for such a gift?
Acts 1:4-9 reads “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. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight (Acts 1:7-9).
In Acts 1:8, we learn this special gift was the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. The disciples would receive power through the Holy Spirit to be Jesus’ "witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.” Then, Jesus ascended into heaven leaving the disciples to finish the work they were commissioned to do.
As we continue to read, 10 days after Jesus Christ ascends to Heaven, the Holy Spirit comes with tongues of fire infilling the disciples with the promise of the power of the Holy Spirit, to share the good news of the Gospel also known as the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), giving birth to what we call the Church today. Yet, there is still work to do. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:14 that He will not return until all have heard the Good news of the Kingdom of God, The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So, what does that mean for us?
The reality is, we are to continue to be witnesses of Jesus Christ.
The call to witness is not set aside for a certain group of people. Throughout the Bible, we read stories of how God used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. The same Holy Spirit given to the disciples is the same Holy Spirit that works within us. Giving us the power to be witnesses too. We witness through our lives, our love toward others, and the grace and mercy we extend toward others. Even our words, deeds, character, and compassion and care for the least of these; is a witness to others.
The same instructions given to the disciples applies to us today. As a witness for the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are still called to go to Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. Jerusalem is like our home. At home, we witness to our parents, grandparents, and siblings. Judea was on the outskirts of Jerusalem. Thus, our Judea today, would be our extended friends and family members. Samaria, on the other hand, is on the outskirts of Judea, a little more distant from Jerusalem. Our Samaria today would be witnessing to our neighbors and co-workers.
Going to the ends of the Earth is where some of us might feel a little discouraged. Discouraged in a sense, we may believe the only way we can go to the ends of the Earth is by becoming a missionary or participating in a mission trip. However, the reality is we don’t have to. Gong to the ends of the earth is our opportunity to witness and share our testimony with those we encounter at the grocery stores, the airport, the gas station, etc.
Now, you might be wondering, where do I start? Start with the people within your home or your immediate family. Share your testimony and see if the family would be open to a Bible study. If your family has already received Salvation, check on a friend you have not spoken to in a while and see how they are doing. Share a testimony of how God has blessed you during this season of COVID-19. Ask them if there is anything you can pray for them and their family. Maybe even start a Bible study if they are open to learning more.
Most importantly, remember, we witness through our lives, for we are imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2). "We are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Until next time, be a witness and let your light shine!
Be Encouraged!
