Can I get a witness?
Today is a GREAT day! For many reasons, today just seems to be one of the good ones. However, we both know that today’s reality isn’t always the case.
Life is filled with ups and downs. Recently, I’ve experienced the sad news of the death of a friend and the joyful news that another friend is cancer-free! We all experience these highs and lows. Jesus’ followers experienced the same feelings. The “high” of the Triumphal Entry and the “low” of the Crucifixion. What a roller coaster of emotion!
Following Jesus’ resurrection, He made a sad announcement: I am leaving. Even with the promise of the Holy Spirit, I’m sure Jesus’ followers were puzzled and even distressed. But as Jesus prepares to leave, He shares a powerful moment: He names His witnesses. Acts 1 tells us:
“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, NIV)
In that powerful moment, Jesus named His disciples “Witnesses.” friend, the question is: “What kind of witness will you be?”
In a court of law, there are different kinds of witnesses. Character witnesses testify to the integrity of a defendant. Expert witnesses share their expertise. Material witnesses bring factual knowledge about certain details in question. Hostile witnesses are compelled to give testimony, even though they may be resistant to share the truth.
The most important type of witness that you and I can be is an eyewitness! We have personally seen and experienced God’s life-changing work as He transforms us into “New Creations.” Let’s thank God for all He has allowed us to witness as He’s changed our names from hopeless to hopeful!
After the disciples’ name-changing moment, we see them look up and move out. friend, take a moment and simply look up. Ask God to help you lift your eyes above the ups and downs of life and focus completely on Him. Now, I encourage you to ask God to continue to move you into His mission for your life and purpose! I believe God will use you as His witness to testify to the life-changing power of Jesus in every opportunity that He makes available.
Let’s pray together…“Jesus, today I look up to You in worship! I honor You and celebrate You. As I lift my gaze, I thank You for empowering me to move out into Your mission and purpose. I want to see Your miracles today! Embolden me to speak to others with a miraculous word of hope. I am Yours, and I’m grateful You have named me ‘Your Witness.’ In Jesus’ name, amen.”
friend, thank you for being His miracle!
