Week of 5/5-5/11: New - The Mission of God's People

Day One: Acts 1:4-8 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by 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.”

In September 1999, Jeremy Neitz stood face to face with a man intent on taking his life. He was not being robbed; he was in a church where a crazed gunman was shooting wildly at students who were celebrating “See You at the Pole.” While everyone else hid and listened to the man spew profanities and curse God, Jeremy stood to his feet and politely answered, “that’s not true, you need Jesus.” Surprisingly, Jeremy’s life was spared as the gunman took his own life.

What a tragic story. However, it points to an even greater reality: it will take teenagers who are passionate for Jesus, regardless of the cost, to complete the mission to which Jesus has called us. His mission for us is clear: we are to be His witnesses.

Being a witness for Jesus will not be easy. Remember, Jesus called Christians to a mission that would require everything when He said that we are to “pick up your cross and die to yourself daily.” This is why when you read about the early apostles; all but one of them was killed for their faith and declaration of Jesus as Savior. They allowed their blood to be shed for the truth. And the Church grew as a result.

Does this mean you have to give your life to be a witness? Yes. And no. Yes, it requires every area of your life to be surrendered to God. No, you may not give your physical life, but as Paul said, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Either way, God is glorified.

Today is your opportunity to be a witness for God wherever you are. Remember that we are called to live out the truth of Jesus on a daily basis. We must commit to being on mission for Christ. Take a few moments and surrender this day completely to Him.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

▷▷Do you consider yourself a witness for Jesus?

▷▷What distracts you from being a witness for Jesus?

▷▷Who is someone that you can share Jesus with today?