In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said to his followers, “go and make disciples of all nations.”
Then in Acts 1:8 (NIV) we read Jesus’s instructions to his disciples just prior to his ascension. He said to them, “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.”
Note this overarching assignment given to them and to us. In effect, Jesus is calling us to bear witness to him — his life, teaching, death, and resurrection.
Then comes the promise of power. For our witness to be effective it requires praying what’s needed, and saying and doing what lines up with Jesus’ work in each person’s heart. Hence our need for the power of discernment, and that comes only from the Holy Spirit who enables us to hear and listen to the voice of Jesus.
But we also need the strength to act on the information the Spirit gives us. In this too, he empowers us so that we can follow through on his guidance.
Have you taken to heart Jesus’ call to bear witness to him? And to that end have you received the power of the Holy Spirit? If not, here’s an encouraging word from Jesus to you:
“If you … though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:13
