Important Work
Scripture Reading — Acts 1:6-11
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses …”
Acts 1:8
If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior, you have someone to thank—the person who told you about him. People in my family have known the Lord for at least five generations. Long ago my ancestors were befriended by friends of Christ, persons to whom hundreds in my family are indebted, including me. Perhaps you first heard about Jesus from a minister in a church service, or from a friend, or through a media broadcast that shared the gospel and pointed to God. Maybe the first inkling you ever had of Jesus and his love came from your parents.
A witness is someone who speaks up for Jesus, who acts in a way that commends the Lord to others. Witnesses simply tell what they know, what they’ve heard and seen.
Just before he ascended to heaven, the risen Jesus made a promise to his disciples: “You will be my witnesses.” Everything they knew about Jesus—his life, his ministry, his death on the cross, his resurrection, and soon his ascension—became their story to tell. Jesus entrusts spreading the gospel to everyone who believes in him as Savior and Lord.
Jesus’ promise came true. The book of Acts shows the path of the gospel from Jerusalem, throughout the rest of Palestine, all the way to Rome, over the globe— all the way to me—and, I pray, to you.
Thank you, Lord, for the great gift I have received from all whom I have heard speaking up for Jesus. I am so thankful for witnesses. Help me to speak up too. Amen.
About the author — John Rozeboom
Rev. John Rozeboom is a retired pastor of the Christian Reformed Church and a former director of Christian Reformed Home Missions. Currently he is coaching and supporting elders, ministers, and a congregation in mission. John and Linda Rozeboom live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and they have two married children and five grandchildren.
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