19 JUN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
After three years of walking with the Lord Jesus, seeing him crucified, dead, and risen from the grave, the disciples are given a final mission that continues until Jesus’ return. The disciples were trained and equipped to carry on the work that Jesus did and were given the power and authority to effectively do it. We can miss something that is important in this passage that can plague our life as believers. We have a primary purpose and the ability to fulfill it.
In the Westminster Confession of Faith, the catechism asks what the chief end is for man. In other words, why do you exist? The answer is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. Everything we do in this life can glorify God when we live according to our purpose. We glorify God and demonstrate our love by obeying his commands. Jesus commands his followers to be His witness and make disciples. (Matt. 28:19) That is the primary task of “every” follower of Jesus.
The disciples could not say to Jesus, wait we do not know enough. Wait, many people do not want to hear this or receive it. Wait, I do not want to be a witness that must be for a special Christian. Someone has to have the “gift” of sharing. Jesus simply and directly commands, “You will be”. From the moment you become a follower of Jesus, you will be my witness and you will be until you die or He returns.
The reason the Holy Spirit is given is to help you to do this work. The Holy Spirit makes effective the call on people’s lives when the gospel is shared. Your role is to faithfully share the good news and leave the results to God. Those that come to faith, need your investment in becoming a disciple who makes disciples. You do this with whomever the Lord puts in your path in life. (Family, friends, co-workers, sports, leisure, shopping stores, etc.)
Are you faithfully being a witness for Jesus?
Reading Plan: Psalm 80; 1 Sam. 1:1-20; Acts 1:1-14; Luke. 20:9-19
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