Day 31
Acts 1:8
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.
In our scripture reading Luke shares some of Jesus’ last words to his disciples. One of the first words that stands out is the word ‘BE’. Once the disciples receive the Holy Spirit, they will ‘BE’ witnesses! Note, what Jesus did not say. That once the disciples receive the Holy Spirit, they will now have to ‘try really hard’ to be; or, if you follow certain rules and regulations, you can then ‘be’. No! Jesus says that they will ‘BE’ witnesses. In the Greek, the word ‘be’ can be translated ‘exist’. Meaning it is now part of the followers as much as their skin colors. You do not try to exist, you just exist! Likewise, you do not try to become witnesses, you just are! In a court of law what do lawyers on both sides call to the stand? They call a witness. Witnesses are called because they saw something relevant to the case. Likewise, as a Jesus follower, we are witnesses to something in our own lives. We have experienced a transformation in our lives. Some of us had a drug addiction, but now we have no desire to use drugs. Some of us have had an alcoholic dependency, but now we do not drink. Some of us have endured a deep trial in our lives but bear witness to God’s provision and comfort. Regardless of what you have seen in your life, or the lives of other Jesus Followers, we are witnesses of that change. We do not have to try to be witnesses. We just are….in our ‘Jerusalem’, Samaria, Judea , and to all the world!
In light of our scripture reading, how can you be a better witness in your circle of influence (where you live, work, and play not only here but in the west, and throughout the world)?