02.16.22 | His Witnesses
In today’s BREAD reading from Acts 4, we read about the apostles Peter and John – both of whom spent many years as disciples of Jesus, learning and practicing his way.
Last week, we read Acts 1, where Jesus shares his parting words to the disciples before he is taken into heaven. He says,
“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.”
In our passage today, Peter and John fulfill his words and are Jesus’ witnesses, and subsequently experience opposition. During today’s time of fasting and prayer, we want to consider Jesus’ call on our own lives and the potential fear of being his witness in this world that we may experience.
Begin your time in appreciation for Jesus. Bring to him anything on your heart and mind that might distract you during your time of prayer today. Invite him into those places of distraction. Calm yourself, notice your breathing, focus on Jesus – you may even sense his presence with you.
Once you have settled in, bring to God any feelings that may come up as you think about sharing Jesus with other people who don’t know him. What is hindering you? Give Jesus time to respond. What do you want to surrender to him? Give Jesus time to share what he wants to offer you in return.
Next, focus on who Jesus may want you to share the Gospel with – identify those people that are on our heart. Who comes to mind? Who do you think is in desperate need to hear the freeing and healing message of Jesus?
Finally, commit to finding ways to be his witness in your community. Commit to share Jesus with the person who was brought to mind. And as always, we encourage you to tell someone in your community about the commitment you have made and ask them to hold you accountable.