“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.” Acts 1:8 Emphasis added
We just celebrated Easter and the victory Christ won on Calvary’s Cross. He won that victory for each of us. Every person who has accepted Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord is a witness. A witness is defined as: one that gives evidence; one who testifies in a cause; one who has personal knowledge of something; someone or something serving as evidence or proof a sign; or public affirmation by word or example of your religious faith or conviction.
The issue for each of us is what kind of witness we will endeavor to be: a “good” or “poor” example of the Living Christ within us. Someone once said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” In our hectic, fast-pace, instant everything world – we too often don’t take enough time to show appreciation and encouragement to others.
Jesus reminded us that they will know us by our “love”. This is the message Christ gave us. This week I will have the privilege of being at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. Please pray for the growing relationship we are having with this great organization. May we like Christ be a great example of a true disciple and one who manifests kindness, love and encouragement to everyone we meet. As I prepare for my trip to Colorado and think about all the people I will meet in airports, motels, and at the FOCUS office, I will remember this poem and want to share it with you.
“I Saw Jesus”
He was up at the church building;
He was alone and working hard.
For just a minute He looked a little like one of our church members.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by His smile.I saw Jesus last Sunday.
He was teaching a Bible class.
He didn’t talk real loud or use long words,
But you could tell He believed what he said.
For just a minute, He looked like my Sunday School teacher.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by His loving voice.I saw Jesus yesterday.
He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick.
They prayed together quietly.
For just a minute He looked like our pastor.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by the tears in His eyes.
I saw Jesus this morning.
He was in my kitchen making my breakfast
He then fixed me a special lunch to take with me.
For just a minute He looked like my Mom.
But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from His heart.
I saw Jesus today.
He was praying on His knees all alone.
He then began to cry for those He prayed for.
For just a minute He looked like a lady from our church.
But it was Jesus, I could see the compassion poured out of His Prayer.
I saw Jesus the other day.
He was at the grocery store talking to a friend.
He then put His arms around them to comfort them.
For just a minute He looked like a young mother in our ladies class.
But it was Jesus, I could see the concern for others who hurt.
I see Jesus everywhere, Taking food to the sick,
Welcoming others to His home, Being friendly to a newcomer
And for just a minute I think He’s someone I know.
But it’s always Jesus, I can tell by the way He serves.
May someone see Jesus in you today.
Remember to encourage those you see living for Jesus! But mostly let those without Jesus see Him living in you and me. Let us love and serve those we meet no matter what circumstances, what they wear, own, or look like! May we be more like Jesus.
“You are My witnesses,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 43:5)
Personal Application:
- Who in this world reminds you most of Jesus? Have you told them how much you appreciate their witness?
- What is one thing about yourself you would like to change so you could be more like Jesus? Are you willing to pray about that and share your desire to make that change with a confidential friend?
- The Bible says we are joint-heirs with Christ (Rom.8:17) and His handiwork (Eph. 2:10). Our citizenship is in Heaven (Phil 3:20). The question for all of us is are we acting like we are His children?
He loves us and is very patient with our progress of becoming more like Jesus. Amen
Jim Grassi, D. Min.