“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.”

— Acts 1:8

After capturing his followers’ imagination with the kingdom of God, Jesus tells them, in effect, “I need you to be my witnesses here on earth. And here’s the great thing—you will not be alone.”

Jesus says that God’s Spirit will come upon them and give them power to be his witnesses. He explains that God by his Spirit will be the source of their strength so that they won’t have to do this work on their own.

Too often we think that in ­order to be a witness, we need to learn the right steps and know the right Scriptures so that we don’t mess things up. And while all of that is a good idea, it’s a great comfort to know that we are not alone in the mission of being witnesses to the living hope, Jesus.

Jesus’ close group of followers knew about how God had told his prophets what to say in past generations. They had also seen Jesus do some powerful things. And now he was telling them that the Holy Spirit of God himself would empower them!

They must have felt a bit terrified but also confident, knowing they could go forward with the power and presence of God. This was the same God who had created the earth and brought Jesus back to life! And the same power is available to Jesus’ followers today.

Spirit of God, thank you for living in me and giving me your power to witness for Jesus. Guide me in each moment you have given me today. Amen.