Witnesses Wherever We Are

“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.” After saying this, [Jesus] was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. Acts 1:8-9

Don’t rush out to buy a ticket to Jerusalem, Judea, or Samaria. Jesus’ directive to His disciples isn’t a literal command for you and me. As Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples were left with the Holy Spirit for guidance and assistance in following God’s commands, especially the command to share His message everywhere they went. The same is true for us—wherever we find ourselves.

God knows where we are, both in physical location and in spiritual maturity. He sees what spheres of influence we have, the places we have access to, the people we know.

Those spheres of influence may include our family, both nuclear and extended, as well as our neighborhood, workplace, and nearby community (our “Jerusalem”). From there, we move into areas such as our cities and towns and among our friends, wherever they are located (our “Judea”); and then other extended areas of influence across our region and nation, within our universities, government, and other places of impact (our “Samaria”) and well beyond.

We never know what God has in mind. People all over the world heard me mention my faith when we played in the Super Bowl, but I would say it’s harder sometimes to share one’s faith closer to home.

Christ’s call on our lives is forever, and even if we don’t have the opportunity to go to the ends of the earth, we are told to begin with every place and person within elbow’s reach. We don’t go alone; the Holy Spirit accompanies and counsels us. His power will help us to become bold witnesses for Christ.

Uncommon Key > Does the word witness scare you? You are commanded to share with others what Jesus has done in your life. Pray for the boldness you need to start today.

From the book