Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples. They were to go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching them. It is found in Matthew 28:19-20. That Commission is still the fundamental essential command of Christianity.
But Jesus told them, before you go you need to wait for the Father’s promise. That promise was the power needed to fulfill that Commission. [Acts 1:4-5]
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” [Acts 1:8 HCSB]
If the Great Commission is still valid, then the essential power to fulfill the Great Commission is still needed. The power of the Holy Spirit is necessary and required. We must still wait for the Father’s promise!
And yet, we have in many places driven out or tried to silence the Holy Spirit in our midst. We have returned to that old way of thinking that we can do the LORD’s commands in our own strength. Down through the ages that has proven ineffective.
The Holy Spirit directs us with the wisdom of God. He leads us to opportunities. He gives us the wisdom to speak. He gives us the power to love. He gives us the strength to persevere.
Without Him, our testimony will be without power – for the Holy Spirit also prepares the hearts to receive.
