Devotional: Power to Witness Luke 24:44-49

Last night I attended a dance performance at the Nashville School of the Arts (NSA) here in Nashville, Tennessee. The title of the performance is The Stones We Cast. Senior Director and Choreographer Chelby W. Woods write, “The Stones We Cast is a depiction of a few “issues” that can be seen with the church. It explores some of the hypocrisies that occur in organized religion.” In the performance one of the characters in the performance expresses that seeing some of the negative things that take place in the church is the reason that she does not want to come to church. Another character sits quietly and says nothing.

After the performance I am walking to my car. I hear a conversation taking place in the car parked across from mine. The man is telling someone that it is just an excuse to say that they are not going to church because of what they hear and see in the church. Are we excused from attending church because we see people; especially leaders doing wrong. What do you think that Jesus would say about this? What does Jesus mean when He tells those following Him that they are salt and light in the world (Matt. 5:13-16). Why do people leave the church? Why do some people sit and watch, but they never say anything? Maybe, it is about power; both power of authority and power of ability?

In all the Gospels and the book of Acts the author record that Jesus commissions His disciples to go to the entire world. They are His witness. They are to teach those that believe in Him to observe everything that He has taught. However, they are not to leave Jerusalem to begin their ministry until they are properly equipped. He says, “‘And behold I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high’” (Lk. 24:49, NASB). With God’s power we are able to stand firm, remain faithful, and be both salt and light in the world and in the church.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for Holy Spirit that gives us power to carry out our assignment in the world. Amen.