May 5th | Acts 1
Empowered to Witness
The book of Acts opens with a powerful reminder: the mission of Jesus isn’t over—it’s just beginning. Luke, the author of both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, writes to give certainty about what Jesus did and what He continues to do through His people.
After His resurrection, Jesus spent forty days teaching His disciples, preparing them for what was to come. But before sending them out, He told them to wait—to wait for the Holy Spirit. This wasn’t a delay; it was preparation. The Spirit wouldn’t just visit certain people at certain times anymore. No, the Spirit would come to all believers, just as God promised in Ezekiel and Joel.
It’s hard to wait, isn’t it? We’re wired to act, to solve problems, to move forward. But Jesus shows us that before we go on mission, we must be filled with the power only the Spirit provides. Without Him, the task is impossible.
When the disciples asked Jesus if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel, He redirected their focus. The plan wasn’t a political one—it was a global one. “You will receive power,” Jesus said, “and you will be my witnesses.” That’s the calling: not to save the world ourselves, but to point to the One who can.
Being a witness means sharing what you’ve seen and experienced of Jesus. You don’t need all the answers. You just need to be faithful. Like a witness in court, your story matters. Your testimony of how Jesus has changed your life can lead others to believe.
And this mission isn’t small. Jesus sent His followers to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. The Gospel is for everyone—every language, every nation, every neighborhood. Whether you're called to a foreign land or simply to the other side of your street, your mission is the same: be a witness.
As Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples stood staring upward, probably overwhelmed by what had just happened. But angels reminded them—and us—that Jesus will return. This is our hope. This is our motivation. He reigns now, and one day He will make all things new.
So what do we do in the meantime? We don’t wait idly—we wait empowered. We don’t witness in our own strength—we witness in the Spirit’s power. The mission is still moving forward. Will you join in?
