breaking new ground
"However, some men of Cyprus and Cyrene among them who had come to Antioch began to talk even to the Greeks, announcing the good news of the Lord Jesus to them." —Acts 11:20
The Spirit so empowered the early Church it could hardly contain itself in witnessing for the risen Christ. Although the first Christians assumed that the good news of Jesus' resurrection was only for the Jews, some "began to talk even to the Greeks" (Acts 11:20). If we have been deeply moved by the risen Christ, we too will break new ground. We will share our faith with people, under circumstances, and in ways that we've never dreamed of before. We will surprise ourselves with our freedom and boldness.
What is the situation in which you can least see yourself witnessing for Jesus? In what situation are you most afraid? Who are the Sauls in your life so hostile to the Lord that no one would even think of telling them about Jesus? Where would it take a miracle for you to be Jesus' witness?
God has already done your miracle: He has worked the miracle of miracles, the resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Because He has risen, we can rise to new heights, do the impossible, and break new ground. When Jesus rose from the dead by His almighty power, He did what had never been done before. It is appropriate for resurrection-witnesses also to do the unprecedented.
Prayer: Father, may my behavior be appropriately unusual in the light of Your Son's resurrection from the dead.
Promise: "No one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father is greater than all, in what He has given Me, and there is no snatching out of His hand." —Jn 10:28-29
Praise: Living out his witness for Christ, Louis led his entire family in prayer at a recent reunion.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Power in the Spirit on audio AV 64-1 or video V-64.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 3, 2008
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