October 24, 2024 Devo

One of the most pivotal, inspirational scriptures in the New Testament is found in Acts 1:8. Jesus is about to ascend to Heaven and finish His time here on earth. Just before He goes, He gives one last word of instruction to His disciples. Last words tend to be important words. These certainly were. “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.”
There were two HUGE thoughts in these words. One was the importance of God’s Holy Spirit. We certainly can’t do God’s Work out of our own strength. But the other thought is the one I want to zero in on today. “Witnesses.” The disciples and those coming after them are given the task to share what they’ve heard Jesus say and seen Jesus do.
That ought to be incredibly freeing for you. God’s expectation is that you will simply bear witness to what He’s done in your life. Most of us are afraid of engaging in “Jesus” conversations because we’re afraid we won’t know enough or we won’t be able to answer all the questions people might have. But we don’t have to. All we’re asked to do is answer the question, “How has Jesus changed your life?” Because what Jesus has done for us is not something other people can honestly argue.
The man born blind is a great example. He didn’t know ANYTHING about Jesus. He had no answers for the rude religious leaders who were trying to prove that Jesus was a fraud. All he could share was what Jesus had done. And his “witness” became one of the most quoted parts of the Bible. “I was blind, and now I see!” That is all we need to know. That’s God’s Word for you today.