Scripture. Luke 24: 46-48
46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
It is common to avoid religion and politics in polite social circles. Often this is pretty sound advice. Both topics live at the core of our being and occupy a place of significance. But, for this reason the important conversations must not always be avoided. Especially, conversations regarding faith have eternal significance. Considering this, how does Jesus’ command given to the apostles to be His witnesses apply to individual Christians today?
The key to understanding a faithful response to this question is in understanding who you are. First of all, the command was given to the disciples. They were the ones who were actual eye witnesses of Jesus’ ministry and His resurrection from the dead. For the disciples to tell others what they had seen Jesus do was necessary. The eyewitnesses had to speak out. Because of their faithful witness then, and God the Holy Spirit’s power in their ministry, we believe today! We are thankful that the disciples were empowered to fulfill Jesus’ command to proclaim this: “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
But, what about us today? God still calls pastors to carry out the ministry of the Word among us. Pastoral ministry is multiplied in missionaries, teachers, and church workers who extend the grace of God by sharing the Gospel. God the Holy Spirit grants His servants the faith to share the truths of Jesus ministry for the life of the world.
And this is where our experience comes in. We in the church continue to receive the benefit of God’s gifts to create and sustain our faith. Our faith, after all, isn’t something that we have created on our own. Our faith comes through the means of God’s Word, the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and the pastoral care that we receive in a local congregation.
There it is! This is what we have to share! We share the blessings that we have received and seen and heard in church as gifts from our Lord Jesus Himself. We are in this way witnesses! We are called to share the gifts that we have received and the joy of knowing God’s love in Jesus for all people.
God the Holy Spirit will continue to strengthen His church, His pastors, and His church workers to be faithful in proclaiming the Gospel to all nations. God will continue to strengthen His people who receive His gifts to share the joy of their faith with all people. And God the Holy Spirit Himself will carry the message forward through HIs church, with power, so that even the most tightly closed mind will have the opportunity of hearing the Gospel and being saved.
LET US PRAY
Lord Jesus I thank you for caring for me through your church here on earth. I praise you for the gift of my baptism, the preaching of your Word, your presence in Holy Communion, and the faith that you sustain in me. Help me to share the joy that you have placed within me in the times and places and with the people of your choosing. I ask this in your name. AMEN