Jesus said something very specific to His disciples before ascending up into heaven. And even something for us all to do, in order to finish the great commission. It is written, “and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:4-9) So here we have it. Jesus told them that after the Holy Spirit falls down upon them, that their one calling from Him is to become His witnesses in all the world. But were they capable to spread the gospel to everyone? No. They did their part the best they could, in order to reach as many people as possible, but many nations, tongues, and people were missed. That is where we come into play and finish off what Jesus started with His saints on earth.
How many people do you know of that are Spirit-filled and are acting as God’s witnesses? The answer you will most likely have is a few people. Even you may be one of those many who are not Spirit-filled and are also not God’s witness. And here is why what Jesus said has taken such a downturn in our society today. Evangelizing is hardly ever taught in churches and when it is, it is talked about concerning those in the mission fields and a homeless outreach here and there. What isn’t said is that Jesus called His disciples to become His witnesses when the Holy Spirit falls upon them. If this was truly taught then members of every church and nation would start to get out of their comfort zone and start sharing the gospel message of Jesus with their friends, co-workers, family members, and people they don’t know. These can be people we meet in restaurants, including fast food, supermarkets, and other stores, and on the streets. And for those people who can afford it, to travel to countries where Jesus is not heard of much or not at all. But if we would just start in our home towns, more and more people would know about Jesus and be saved. And wouldn’t it be amazing if you came to find out after you died that hundreds, or even thousands, came to Christ because of your efforts? That would be amazing. Now, the thing is, we do not want hell to fill up with lost souls, but to lead as many of them to Jesus until salvation that we can. So listen to what Jesus said and do as He says today.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for leading me to the truth. I would not be where I am today if You had not rescued me. I was on the pathway to destruction and hell and You knew it also. So You continued to pull at my heart strings, in order for me to realize my sins before You. In my convictions, I knew that I was so lost and needed a Savior. I didn’t know how I would ever get out of the mess of pornography or adultery, but You gave me a way out. And as I prayed and poured my heart out to You, there was no anger on Your part. You were not upset with me, but so happy that I was resisting the devil and coming to You instead. Even in the moment, my heart was humbled and I was heart-felt in my confessions, did Your arms come around me and warm my heart. Wow! You are such a loving and kind God. So patient, although everything I’ve done. Thank You for a second chance at life. It was because You came into my life that my whole life changed. In baptism, the fire of the Holy Spirit came over me. Then, all I wanted to do was tell everyone about You, Jesus. This is what I wish everybody would desire to do, but few people are born again in the Spirit. So I ask that more people turn to You also and also be filled. This I pray for a revival to happen in all the world. I love You, Lord. Amen.
