Thursday, June 4, 2026
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
A Powerful Gift
Jesus not only modeled with his life everything we need to know to live like him, he also gave us a special gift to be with us when he ascended into heaven after his crucifixion. He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does so many things for us, and one of those things is that he gives us resurrection power in our lives. The same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives in us, empowers us and helps us through this life.
What must the disciples have felt at that moment when Jesus was speaking to them as he was preparing to ascent back to heaven? They must have been overwhelmed with awe, wonder, excitement and maybe a little fear of the unknown.
During the last 40 days prior to this moment, after his resurrection, Jesus had appeared to the disciples to show them the victory he had over death, to strengthen their faith, to teach them more of the kingdom of God and prepare them for the mission he would leave them with. He left them with a promise, and a purpose for that promise that would change the world.
While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.” Acts 1:4-5
Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem for "the Father’s promise." This promise Jesus was talking about was the Holy Spirit. Jesus would soon physically leave the earth, but he would not leave the disciples hanging. He reassured them that they would not be left alone to figure things out or to struggle in their own strength. Instead, they would "receive power."
Jesus proceeds to tell them why he was giving them this gift - and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
The mission Jesus gave his disciples was to spread the good news of His life, death and resurrection beginning where they were in Jerusalem, and then to the ends of the earth. This is the purpose attached to his promise for them and this purpose is for all believers of every generation. It is for us today just as much as it was for the disciples standing in front of Jesus that day.
Begin where you are. Be the hands and feet of Jesus in your school, work, neighborhood and friend groups. Live the gospel with your every move and people will see and notice. We are all everyday missionaries, and our lives are our mission field first. Then we can go, if we are ale, to the ends of the earth.
Be willing. Take small steps of faith, and trust that the Holy Spirit will empower you to fulfill the purpose God has for you. Even the most mundane acts of obedience are part of God's greater plan for His love to reach others through us.
The Holy Spirit not only comforts and guides his disciples but also gives them boldness, wisdom and endurance. This applies to us today. When we feel inadequate or unsure, we can rely on the Holy Spirit's power, and Satan loves for us to feel inadequate or unsure. Focus of Jesus and his truth, and your most important job of spreading that gospel message everywhere you go – in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Read Acts 1:8. How have you been empowered to share the gospel? What is your role in sharing the gospel with others? Where are you called to share the gospel?
