January 1, 2012

Acts 1:1-11 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 1:1-17, Psalm 1, Genesis 1-2

Journal Entry

Scripture

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Observation

There are several wonderful truths embedded in this relatively short verse. First, God's power always accompanies God's command. As we see in this verse, God doesn't simply command us to go out there and be His witnesses. Instead, His command is preceded by His promise to give us the power which enables us to obey Him. Secondly, God's power is given to us not for our personal gain or advancement, but for the advancement of God's kingdom. It is so easy for us to become self-absorbed even in our walk with God. However, as this verse points out, God gives us the power not to advance our "kingdom" but to advance His Kingdom. Lastly, God, not we, chooses to whom we ought to be His witnesses. It says, "[Y]ou will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." One thing to note here is that the Jews back in Jesus' days avoided Samaria and the residents of Samaria (Samaritans) like a plague. To be associated with Samaritans was to defile oneself and tarnish one's reputation. Yet, Jesus called His Jewish disciples to go even to Samaria to be His witnesses to them for there is no one who is excluded from God's plan of salvation--even those whom we are tempted to dismiss or "cross out" from the list. The same is true for us today. God doesn't call us to be His witnesses only to people with whom we feel comfortable or have affinity. Instead, God calls and empowers us to be His witnesses to those whom we might otherwise choose to avoid or dismiss. And that can only be accomplished as the Holy Spirit rests upon us and we rely on His power to transform our hearts from within.

Application

I will ask the Holy Spirit for His power so that I may faithfully obey His call to be His witness to whomever He brings to my mind throughout this year.

Prayer

Abba Father, I praise and adore you on this first day of 2012. As I look back to 2011, I can't help but to praise and thank you for your amazing faithfulness both in my life and in the lives of YNCC community. And Father, as I embark on a new journey in this brand new year, it is my prayer that your Holy Spirit would continue to transform and empower me and YNCC so that I and my fellow brothers and sisters at YNCC would become your bold witnesses to the world--both near and far ("to Jerusalem & to the end of the earth as you once spoke to your disciples...") in 2012. May you, Holy Spirit, reign in our hearts and may your Kingdom come like never before both in and through YNCC in 2012. It is in Christ name I pray. Amen.

--KJ