Photo: Annelize Brits
… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem as well as in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
All the disciples, except John, died as martyrs. They say that Thomas, as well as James, the brother of Jesus, was beheaded. Paul was also beheaded. Peter was crucified. He asked to be crucified upside down because he did not consider himself worthy to die in the same way as Jesus. Why – what did they do wrong? They were not thieves or murderers. No, they were guards! Faithful guards for the “house of Israel”. They were dedicated to the task of sharing the truth of God’s Word with their world – even if it meant death.
However, it was not always like this. After Jesus was crucified on Calvary, they separated. Some ran away or, like Peter, denied Jesus. Only John remained at the foot of the cross, faithful to Jesus to the end. What made them change? The power of the Holy Spirit changed them. Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit. “The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I said about you” (Johannes 14:26). “And when He was still with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which you, He said, heard from Me” (Acts 1:4).
We also need to be filled by the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who guides you. He will guide you and help you understand God’s Word. He will give you the wisdom to do the right and best thing for your family. He will give you the courage to stick to your convictions. It is He who will give you the right words when you “blow the trumpet” for the truth.
My Father, there are times when I feel so inadequate to the task of being your guard. I pray that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Come over me as You came over the disciples in the upper room. I pray that You will fill me with the power of Your Holy Spirit so that I can do Your work faithfully. Amen.
Bron: In silence and trust by Angus Buchan
Publisher: Christian Publishing Company/CUM
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