ACTS 1:7-8

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.”

TO PONDER

There is a little audio clip that plays on the Christian radio in Newcastle which is an advertisement for a regular program on the station. The preacher on the clip says something like the following and I can't help think it was based on today's verse. He says, "Stop worrying about if, when, or how Jesus is going to come back, and start worrying about what you're doing while you're waiting!"

I think this is a problem for many of us in the affluent society in which we live. On the one hand our wealth often affords us too much 'free time' to contemplate abstract existential questions which actually distract us from the task of living the new life we have in Christ - a life which is supposed to be marked by our witness to Jesus, not our 'supposed' internal wisdom or understanding, but our external expression of what it looks like to be a follower or disciple of Jesus.

On the other hand, our pursuit of wealth and financial security can make us so busy chasing the next promotion or pay rise, that we are too exhausted, or too short of time and energy to be much of a useful witness to Jesus because our only thoughts and efforts are in pursuit of the almighty dollar, not the almighty God of all creation.

The good news is that it is the Holy Spirit at work in us who draws us back into line with God's will and intent for us. We can't effectively witness to Jesus on our own, but it is by the equipping and empowering of the Holy Spirit of God that we can be effective witnesses to Christ wherever we are.

So whatever you find yourself doing today, take some time to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guid you throughout the day and help you to bear witness to Jesus in all that you do.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to your people to equip and empower us to bear witness to you to the ends of the earth. Holy Spirit lead and guide me today so that in all I say and do, I might bear witness to Christ Jesus my saviour. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle