The Great Commission: Our Call to Be Witnesses

In a world that often seems to be moving further away from faith, it's heartening to see glimpses of God's work in unexpected places. From school graduations where principals remind students to remember who they truly serve, to powerful legal organizations dropping lawsuits against faith-based initiatives, we are reminded that God is still very much at work in our world.
But what does this mean for us as believers? How are we called to participate in God's ongoing work?
The answer lies in what is known as the Great Commission - Jesus' final command to his disciples before ascending to heaven. This command, found in Acts 1:8, serves as both a challenge and a promise to all who follow Christ:
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Let's break this down and consider what it means for us today:

1. The Promise of Power

Jesus doesn't just give us a task; He promises us the power to accomplish it. This power comes through the Holy Spirit, who fills us and equips us for the work of sharing the gospel. We're not left to our own devices or expected to rely on our own strength. Instead, we're promised divine empowerment for the task at hand.

2. The Call to Witness

The word "witness" in the original language carries a weighty meaning - it's the same word from which we get "martyr." To be a witness for Christ means more than just talking about Him; it means being willing to give everything, even our lives if necessary, for the sake of the gospel.
This challenges us to consider: How committed are we to sharing the good news of Jesus? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones, to face potential ridicule or rejection, to ensure that others hear about the hope we have in Christ?

3. The Expanding Scope

Jesus outlines a strategic approach to evangelism, starting close to home and expanding outward:

• Jerusalem: Our immediate surroundings, the people right around us.
• Judea: The wider area around us, perhaps our state or region.
• Samaria: Places or people groups we might naturally avoid or feel uncomfortable with.
• The ends of the earth: Literally anywhere and everywhere in the world.

This reminds us that our witness should know no boundaries. We're called to share the gospel with our neighbors and with people on the other side of the world. It challenges us to think both locally and globally about how we can spread the good news.

4. The Urgency of the Task

As the disciples watched Jesus ascend to heaven, angels appeared with a pointed question: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).
This serves as a reminder that Jesus will return, and that we have work to do in the meantime. We're not called to stand around waiting, but to actively engage in the mission He's given us.
So how do we live this out practically?
First, we need to recognize that witnessing starts at home. It begins with how we treat our spouses, how we raise our children, how we interact with our extended family. Are we living in a way that demonstrates the love and grace of Christ?
Second, we need to be open to the Holy Spirit's leading. Sometimes He may prompt us to step out in faith in ways we never expected. It might be striking up a conversation with a stranger, volunteering for a mission trip, or supporting missionaries financially. Whatever it is, we need to be willing to say "yes" when God calls.
Third, we need to remember that age is no barrier to serving God. Whether you're a recent graduate just starting out in life or a retiree with decades of experience, God can use you. There are countless ways to be involved in mission work - from prayer and financial support to hands-on service.
Finally, we need to approach this task with urgency and joy. Jesus is coming back - we don't know when, but we know it's a certainty. How will He find us when He returns? Will we be actively about His business, or will we be caught unaware?
The beautiful thing about following Jesus' command to be His witnesses is that it's not just a duty - it's a privilege. When we step out in faith to share the gospel, we get to see God work in amazing ways. We form relationships we never would have had otherwise. We're blessed beyond measure, even in the midst of challenges.
As we go about our daily lives, let's keep this commission at the forefront of our minds. Let's look for opportunities to be witnesses for Christ - in our homes, in our communities, and to the ends of the earth. Let's rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden us and guide us.
And let's remember that the message we're sharing is one of hope, love, and redemption. In a world that desperately needs good news, we have the best news of all - that Jesus loves us, died for us, and offers us eternal life.
So let's go forth with confidence, knowing that the same Jesus who ascended to heaven is with us always, even to the end of the age. And one day, He will return, just as He promised. Until then, may we be found faithful in the task He's given us - to be His witnesses to the very ends of the earth.