Prepared for witness
The Lord has made known his victory;
He has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. Psalm 98:2
Read Mark 16:14—20
Footnotes in my Bible indicate that these verses may have been added later to the Gospel and therefore put into Jesus’ mouth. But if so, I know from the New Testament that they do contain what Jesus, ascended to the Father, continued to do among his followers. They invite me to confidence in him, to live my life on earth confident of his presence at the right hand of God, directing the church’s witness through the Spirit, and directing my life. They urge me to put nothing into Jesus’ mouth myself, to claim nothing for him, that is untrue to what he has said and done. My response is to be drawn into witness to him, to offer others the opportunity for belief. His part is to protect me, to equip me and to shield me.
Prayer
Fill me, Lord, with the Spirit you sent. Fill me with the fulness of God. Gift me. Turn me to your service. Energise me. Manifest yourself in me.[1] Work in me and through me. Take me into your purpose to bring the Good News to those I know. Protect me, shield me, embolden me so that those I know have an opportunity to know, love and worship you, too. Oh, if I can only know myself as part of the world-wide movement of the Gospel!
[1] 1 Corinthians 12:3-7