Dressed with power to be witnesses

“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.” – Acts 1 :8

Before his ascent, Jesus encouraged his disciples for the last time in order to wait for the promise of his father, which means the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  When the 11 disciples heard this affirmation, one question rose up from the bottom of their heart: « Once this baptism has arrived, will you then establish the kingdom of Israel? ». The disciples really thought that the plan of God was to bring Israel to a position of power so that they could become again a nation of power which the other would be afraid of.

But as Jesus always did, he adjusted their desire to be important and significant and answered: « You will receive power … and will be my witnesses … ». The question of the apostles was of socio-political origin, but the answer of Jesus revealed the father´s heart – so that the whole world could hear the Good News.

“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.”
Acts 1 :8
 

For me it is fascinating that the power which we receive, which is the Holy Spirit descending on us, enables us to be witnesses. It is not written that we would witness, but it is written that we would be witnesses. There is a big difference between preaching the gospel or being entirely transformed by this gospel; so that our life would preach for itself.

The power of the Holy Spirit enables us, this power enables to live the commandments of Christ, to accomplish signs and wonders. Here is what this power produces: a supernatural activity in us. To be honest, without the Holy Spirit, it is impossible to do what Jesus did during his ministry on earth. But, when we are dressed with this power and this fire, we will be efficient and real witnesses of the Good News.

We serve a wonderful God, don´t we? He wants to spread his Spirit on every individual – and every individual will have a different expression. For example, when the Holy Spirit came over Bezaleel, he gave him wisdom, understanding and knowledge to execute all kind of works (ref. Ex. 35 :31). When the Spirit dressed Gideon, he became supernaturally brave. When the Spirit came over Samson, he receivedextraordinary power, and Salomon received divine wisdom. It doesn´t matter what God does with us and how we will demonstrate his glory, the most important thing is that we receive this wonderful baptism from the Holy Spirit in order to accomplish this great mission for a great harvest!

“The power of the Holy Spirit enables us; this power enables to live the commandments of Christ, to accomplish signs and wonders.” 

At this period of Pentecost, let´s be encouraged and motivated to look for a fresh baptism of fire and power. Let´s ask Jesus to immerse us in his Holy Spirit so that we can make a real difference in our environment as witnesses of the Kingdom of Heaven.