Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action

“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)

The Holy Spirit’s power is available for you and me, too. Without it, witnessing about Jesus can be daunting. When we call on the Spirit’s power, we tap into the resource Jesus promised, and we receive exactly what we need to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. We all share this same request—to tell everyone everywhere about Jesus.

Context (Acts 1:6-11): Jesus’ final moments with his followers before his ascension to heaven are powerful. Even though they still didn’t get what Jesus’ true mission on earth was, Jesus stayed patient and told them about the real power. I can’t even imagine what his followers must have been thinking. What a whirlwind of emotions, and just like that, Jesus was gone again! But Jesus did not leave them, or us, without a job to do and the power to do it.

Our memory verse speaks of that assignment and promise. It’s not the only time we read in Scripture about people telling others about Jesus. The message of Jesus is often referred to as the “Good News.” When we share with others about what Jesus did, how he lived and loved, and how he died as a sacrifice for our sinfulness, we are sharing the best news of all.

No greater gift can we give to another than the life-changing message of Jesus. I can’t imagine my life without Jesus in it, and I don’t want others to miss out on that. The fact that Jesus asks his disciples (us) directly makes it a no-brainer. What an honor that Jesus has entrusted us with – to make sure everybody knows about him.

Sometimes we get lost in life, forgetting what our mission is. We get stuck in our own heads, thinking we have a better plan for our lives. How many times have you had a goal-setting session but forgotten to invite Jesus to the table? Or perhaps you’ve had a fantastic idea, but it was yours, not God’s. Our plans don’t necessarily fail, but if they do, we have the immediate feedback that God wasn’t part of that plan.

We don’t have to recreate the wheel all the time. Jesus told us what we need to do. It’s simple. Why do we question it or try to think up a new plan? Rather, we should be taking action and finding ways to tell people about Jesus. Sharing the best news ever should be simple, right?

Jesus isn’t asking us to do something impossible. That’s partly because this assignment involves a promise. Jesus is going to send the power we need to complete the task. The Holy Spirit dispels fear, provides guidance, and strengthens us when we feel weak. We have no excuses, do we?

When was the last time you shared about Jesus with someone else? I feel especially energized when I get the opportunity to share with others about Jesus. Even if they think they know him or about him. We can always draw closer. Planting those seeds of faith is such a privilege. Look for an opportunity today and be blessed.

Let’s pray. Lord, strengthen me and draw me close. I am feeling weak and unsure and need your guidance. Thank you for each opportunity you give me to share about you and your word. I pray that my written words will reach the ends of the earth and touch hearts for you. Open up more opportunities, and help me to see them and not miss out. Prepare the hearts of those I encounter with your message. In Jesus’ name. Amen.