Our Witness

As I sit here in the dark of the morning, I am pondering the following passage from Acts chapter 1, it is verses 6 through 11 from the ESV version of the Bible.

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,11 and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

The Apostles were still struggling with what Jesus mission was about.  They were still concerned about a restoration of the physical Israel, and not understanding that the risen Jesus was about to bring into existence something far greater, the Church, His Body, His Family, His "spiritual" people.  So Jesus reminds them that the Holy Spirit will come and then they will bear witness to Him and the Gospel that Jesus was all about.  


I wonder if sometimes I am like those Apostles, I fail to see and understand the Mission that Jesus has given us and instead look for Jesus to repair the earthly situations that are messed up.  Sure He can fix these things, and sometimes does, yet really our calling as Christians or "Christ Followers" is about our "witness".  We have a Gospel oriented spiritual mission that we have been given.  I ask myself if I am being responsible with this Mission?
Repentantly I sit and recognize that often I am busy with many other things and neglect the witness about the Gospel of Jesus.  I seem to get busy doing "good" things, and yet can miss the opportunities to witness.   


Oh Lord Jesus, forgive me for my lack of witness about you and help me to be the witness that you have called, enabled and made me to be.  Lord that I would be a living example of your work as well as one who shares verbally the message of the Gospel.  Lord that you would be honored with my life, I offer what I have to you Lord, take and use it all for the Glory of You and the growth of your Kingdom.


In Your service Jesus, Amen.


Preacherman

Today's passage to ponder as you worship is one of challenge about who we are to be with one another as well as who Jesus is for us.

Matthew chapter 20:20-28 (ESV)
"Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.  And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." Jesus answered, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?" They said to him, "We are able. "He said to them, "You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.  "And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.""

As you consider this passage that we often correctly apply to leadership, also look to apply it to your other relationships.  Pray and ask God to reveal to you how you can better serve your spouse, your parents, your children, your friends, etc...  We are called to serve not the seek power.

May we be a repentant people for our selfish desire for control and lack of service.

Amen

Preacherman