It’s funny how you can read a Scripture you’re familiar with and have something new jump out at you. I guess this speaks to the power of the Word! I encountered this recently with two different Scriptures that most are familiar with: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and Acts 1:8. I was struck by the empowerment for evangelism and disciple-making in both. Here are some thoughts I had.
In the beginning of Matthew 28:18-20, it says, “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” I don’t know about you but I’m someone who hesitates to move on something without authority so when Jesus says, “All authority on heaven and on earth…”–that gets my attention! That’s a pretty strong statement–not some or most, but all authority has been given to us by the Son of God himself. For all of us who feel ill-equipped to engage with non-believers, here’s a reason not to feel that way: Put your trust in what God can do through you not what you can do by yourself.
In a similar way, Acts 1:8 gives a similar, compelling message. “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.” If we’ve trusted in Christ, we have this same power of the Holy Spirit that the disciples eventually received at Pentecost. If you doubt the power of the Holy Spirit, read the book of Acts and see how the church spread through this power.
These two passages help affirm in me the need to rely on Jesus as the Lord of the Harvest and not my own strength. I hope these passages challenge you in the same way.
