Witnesses

Acts 1:6-8 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
 
WITH one sentence Jesus completely changed the disciples’ view of their future. During Jesus’ ministry, the disciples had hoped he was the one who would sit on David’s throne in Jerusalem. His death had destroyed that hope. But now that hope is alive because Jesus is alive! Once more he taught them. Surely this is a sign God is fulfilling his promise spoken in Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. What could be more zealous than Jesus’ resurrection? Who else could reign eternally? Truly this was the time God had determined for an eternal king to reign in Jerusalem.
   God’s zeal, though, extends into the entire world. It was time to begin to conquer the nations with the gospel. Jesus, the Commander, directs his 11 warriors to begin the conquest.
   It’s difficult to imagine the disciples’ response to, “Be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Did fear strike their hearts? These men had witnessed the Jerusalem rulers crucify Jesus. The disciples had been very afraid and had hidden to protect themselves. They could easily have viewed Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria as life-threatening territory for Jesus’ followers. John 20-21 tells us of the disciples’ doubts. Some returned to fishing, and others seemed to go their own way even after seeing the risen Jesus. Their minds were centered on self-survival, wondering what they would do next. How could they be Jesus’ witnesses amid such uncertainty and potential danger?
   Once more Jesus assures them the Holy Spirit will be their power and their guide. They need not be concerned with man’s reaction to their work because God is directing and empowering them to do what he wants done. “When the Holy Spirit comes on you” is Jesus’ final direct promise and assurance to the 11 he had chosen:
 
Acts 1:9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.  
 
Jesus had just commanded the disciples to conquer the world with the testimony of his good news of salvation. Then he left. In a moment he was gone. What remains is all he had taught them and all he had promised them. Jesus instructed them to wait for the Spirit. This is a good lesson for all disciples. Wait for God’s leading.