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WAIT FOR THE FATHER’S PROMISE – THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Writer's picture: Olufunmilayo AdekusibeOlufunmilayo Adekusibe
 

Today’s Reading:

Acts 1:1-26 (8)

“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”                                                 (v. 8 AMPV)

 


Here Luke gave a summary of his first book, the Gospel of Luke, which he had written to ‘the most honourable’ Theophilus (v. 3), who could probably be one of a very high social standing (23:26; 24:2; 26:25).  And who could have been a benefactor or patron who assisted him with the expenses of publications or distribution of his work. … he proved to them in many ways that he was alive (v. 3 NLT). The Gospel demonstrate the evidence for Christ’s resurrection – Jesus' grave was empty,  (24:3-4), His grave clothes were undisturbed (Jn 20:3-9), and many people saw Him (Matt. 28; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-53; John 20:11-21:23; 1 Cor. 15:3-8), Jesus appeared to the apostles in parts to overcome their doubt (28:17; Luke 24:17-24).  Also, the kingdom of God was the central theme of Jesus’ teaching (vv. 6-8; Matt 1:17; Mk. 1:14-15).


Just as in the relationship of the Trinity, the disciples and Jesus’ followers would not have been able to do any witnessing and spreading the gospel if Jesus had been physically around with them.  Physically, He could be in one place at a time. After His ascension, he would be able to spiritually be everywhere through the Holy Spirit.  Hence the instruction that … “but to wait for what the Father had promised. “Of which, you have heard Me speak.” (vv. 4-5).   Referring to the power and enablement they would receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.  At this time, the disciples were still in shock at what happened to Jesus.  In this state, they would not be able to witness. The same with all believers, until we are endued with power and enablement from above through the Holy Spirit, we cannot do ministry and succeed.  The instructions to wait until imbued with power and enablement from above also apply to us today, centuries after it was given. We are to actively wait for God’s promise by listening to what He is telling us to do instead of running ahead of God and doing something in the flesh and by our frail strength.  I often repeat that, ministry is like a slaughter slab, anything can happen where we do not have God’s direction.  We hear God speak to us through His Word, He speaks to our spirit in a very gentle voice, through events happening around us, through admonition and counsel of others.  The Holy Spirit will comfort us, guide us into knowing the truth, remind us of the words and commands of Jesus, give us the right words to use in different situations, and fill us with power and enablement to exploit (Jn. 14-16).


and you will be my witnesses [to tell people about Me] … even to the ends of the earth” (v. 8).  This key verse indicates the geographical extension of the Good News, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.  Even to Saul of Tarsus who once persecuted the people of ‘the way’ but later became a vital instrument in the hands of Jesus to take the Gospel even to the Gentiles.  It may not be really that easy to witness Jesus Christ faithfully.  He made us know that in the past, those who shared the Gospel suffered losses, tortured even to death and were martyred. A witness is a person who has seen an event and, in a court of law, can tell her own experience based on personal observation.  In the passage today, Christ charged believers to bear witness of Him in their lifestyle and speech (v. 1).  The Holy Spirit is the power source and enablement of all evangelism and missionary efforts.  All things are possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Our evangelism should not be limited to only the tracts business, but should include among others, the whole process of discipleship.  It is not only to be talked about on the pulpits on Sundays; it should be carried always as a habit of lifestyle.  To help spread the gospel, the Holy Spirit gave spiritual gifts to edify and produced spiritual fruits in us to reproduce and increase.  To multiply, to increase to save, to deliver, to transform lives, to build up, to spread out, to reach out, to be effective. 


In light of the above, we should ask ourselves the question – Who am I disciplined?  If someone around you is still outside the salvation of Christ or does not know Jesus, then lend your contribution to the spread of the Gospel in whatever small way through the ever-spreading circle of God’s message of love.  May God help us all, in Jesus' name.

                                                            OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE


 

Prayer:

  1. The Lord reigns; let the people tremble; he sits between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

  2. The Lord is great in Zion, and he is high above all the people.

  3. I will sing of the mercy and judgement unto thee, O Lord will I sing.

  4. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way.  O when wilt thou come unto me?  I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

  5. Thank you, Lord, that the promise of the Holy Spirit is for me, for my children, and for all You call to Yourself, in Jesus' name.

  6. Father, help me be like Peter and freely use the name of Jesus to bless those in need around me, in Jesus name.

  7. O Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, empower and give me the enablement to spread the gospel to nations, in Jesus' name.

  8. O Lord, in Your love and mercy, visit Christian marriages and homes, heal wounds and reconcile to the glory of God, in Jesus' name.

  9. O Lord, visit the hurting people of the world, especially our nation Nigeria, heal wounds, pacify, comfort, console and provide provisions in diverse ramifications to your people, in Jesus' name.

  10. O Lord, use the situation of the world to multiply and increase Your Kingdom, in Jesus' name.

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