11-01-11 "Witnesses"

Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

I can only imagine the excitement, and the intimidation after hearing these words from Jesus to the disciples. I can imagine how Peter might have swelled up with pride as he thought about being a witness for Jesus to the ends of the earth. Little did he or the other disciples know that they would spread the good news of the gospel just as Jesus said, but it would ultimately come to fulfillment by them becoming martyrs for the sake of Jesus Christ. But let’s not forget that in between the commission of Jesus, and the obedience of the disciples, was a very important event that happened on Pentecost. The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and just like Jesus said, they were empowered to be His witnesses. Did you know that you too have been called to be His witnesses? Are you intimidated? How do we do it? What do we say? God has equipped us with His Spirit…….the same Spirit that empowered the disciples has also empowered us. A witness is defined as someone who has been a spectator, or has seen or witnessed something. In simplicity, that is all that God is asking us to do. Tell people what you have witnessed in your relationship with God. Share with others the many ways that God has showered you with His grace. You can do it. Start at home, and then take it to the streets. Amen.