Have You Been With Jesus?
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | January 15 2025 | Acts 1:21-22
KEY VERSE: ²¹Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, ²² beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection” Acts 1:21-22 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Jesus chose the Twelve so they could be with him (Mark 3:14). We shouldn't be surprised that the disciples of Jesus wanted to select a replacement for Judas. Notice the requirement for a replacement. This person had to have been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry to his ascension. The apostles were examples for other disciples as they lived out their mission to be witnesses to the world about what they had seen and heard. This requirement highlights a profound truth: being with Jesus is the foundation of true discipleship and effective ministry.
A person who has been with Jesus Christ is marked by firsthand experience of His teachings, character, and power. Walking closely with Jesus transforms the heart and mind, making the person a living testimony of His grace and truth. This transformation is evident in how such individuals live, speak, and serve, reflecting the love and mission of Christ. To be effective witnesses, we too must spend time with Jesus daily. This involves prayer, studying His Word, and living in obedience to His commands. Like the apostles, our calling is to share the hope of His resurrection and the truth of His Kingdom. We cannot do this in our strength, but through a vibrant relationship with the risen Christ, we are empowered to fulfil our mission. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
While we cannot go back in time and be with Jesus as the apostles were, we can focus on the four gospel stories about his life, words, and ministry. We can commit to living for and like him. As we do, we, too, can be witnesses to the world for Jesus! PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to be with You and to share in Your mission. Transform my life to reflect Your love and truth to the world. Help me to spend time in Your presence daily and be a faithful witness to Your resurrection. Empower me to live as someone who has genuinely been with You. For Your dear name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 15: Genesis 20-21 — Abraham and Abimelech; the Birth of Isaac
DAILY word study: BECOME The word “become” originates from the Greek "ginomai" (γίνομαι), meaning "to come into existence, to be made, or to transition into a state." It often conveys transformation or fulfilling a divine purpose.
In Acts 1:22, “become” underscores the transition of a disciple into a witness. It highlights the active response to a divine calling—transforming from merely being a follower to taking up the mission of Christ’s resurrection. This transformation involves both an inner renewal and an outward commission. Theologically, "ginomai" reflects the essence of God’s redemptive work. It’s not just about being called but about stepping into what God has purposed for us. The apostles’ mission to become witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection points to the Church’s call to carry the Gospel message to the ends of the earth.
Reflection: What does it mean for you to become a witness of Christ in your context? Are you allowing God to shape you into someone who reflects His mission and love? Transformation begins with a yielded heart and grows as we walk daily in obedience.
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