Little could those shepherds abiding in the field have imagined that they would see Jesus, let alone be the first to witness God’s promise fulfilled. Like a pre-Christendom world, the world before Jesus’ death and resurrection, many have heard about Jesus, but perhaps don’t really know Jesus. A recent poll showed that over 53% of Americans have little Bible knowledge. When Jesus is seen in our lives, (homes, church, community, world) it makes an impact on others. In this season of Advent, as we once again anticipate the Word becoming flesh so He is seen among us, what insight and encouragement can we give to let Jesus be seen in our words and actions? That’s the challenge for us as we work together to proclaim the Gospel.

May these Advent Devotions be a blessing to you.
Jesus Is Coming - Be His Witnesses


7  He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.  8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

I saw a bumper sticker once that said, “Jesus is coming! Look busy!” 

It seems our congregations unwittingly adopt this mantra during the Advent season. As we prepare to remember Jesus’ First Coming and as we look forward with anticipation to His Second Coming, we become awfully busy. We are preoccupied with “hanging the greens” and decorating the sanctuary. We scurry about organizing fellowship meals and events. We prepare cantatas and children’s Christmas Eve programs. We are busy. Very busy. 

We want to be seen by Jesus as busy, active congregations as 2019 draws to a close. Yet is what we are doing truly purposeful, at least from our Lord’s standpoint?

Jesus told his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and that they would be his witnesses. Like ripples created by a pebble tossed into a pond, their witness would expand from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

In our baptism, we received the power of the Holy Spirit. We were joined to Christ through water and the Word. We were called to be witnesses of Jesus. A witness testifies to what he or she has seen, heard, and experienced. By the Holy Spirit’s power, we are called to testify to the impact Christ Jesus has made in our lives. Our purpose is to tell others about Jesus in whatever we do and wherever we may go.

Jesus came to be seen by the world as its Savior. He was seen by the awestruck shepherds as they gathered around his manger in Bethlehem. He was seen by disciples and detractors as he hung on the cross outside Jerusalem. He was seen by grief-stricken Mary Magdalene as he rose triumphantly on Easter morning. Those who witnessed Jesus’ saving and redemptive work were changed for the better. 

We want everyone to see Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Consequently, everything we do as God’s people during this Advent season – from fellowship dinners to musical presentations to worship events – is designed so that people can see Jesus better than they did before. To be Jesus’ witnesses means we will be busy, not in a chaotic or aimless way, but with purpose and intent.
Jesus is coming! Be His witnesses!
 
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to be a bold witness for you daily. During this Advent season, may I not become so busy that I forget to tell others of the grace you have shown me by your birth, life, death, and resurrection. Amen.
 
Rev. Alan Struckmeyer, Pastor
Abiding Savior Lutheran Church – Gainesville, FL