Witnesses of a Powerful God
who has lived through a Florida hurricane has seen them: those intrepid reporters standing in the wind and rain, getting battered by the elements as they report on the storm's power. Sometimes they're sheltered on a balcony, but often they're right there on the beach, being knocked around by gale-force winds as they describe the flooded roads and massive waves. While we might question their wisdom, they serve an important purpose – they're witnesses, giving firsthand testimony to the storm's awesome power.
In Acts 1:6-11, we find Jesus' disciples in a similar position. They had been witnesses to an even greater power – they had seen Jesus heal the sick and raise the dead. They felt the earth shake at His crucifixion and experienced the stunning reality of His resurrection. Now, gathered with the risen Christ, they found themselves in what seemed to be the eye of the storm, learning about the kingdom that was to come.
When Will You Restore?
"Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" they asked. It was a reasonable question. The angel Gabriel had promised at Jesus' birth that He would reign forever, that "of his kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:33). This was what God's people had been waiting for through centuries of oppression and exile – the restoration of all things, the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.
Perhaps you're asking a similar question today: "Lord, will you at this time restore...my marriage? My health? My children? My finances?" Like the disciples, you know God has promised restoration, but you're wondering about the timing.
Our Powerful God
Jesus' response reveals three crucial truths about the God we serve:
1. The Father's Authority
"It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority" (Acts 1:7). Our Father in heaven has authority over all things – He created all things and sustains all things by His power. He has fixed a purpose for every moment, every millisecond that passes. Not a tear falls, not a joy is experienced, that doesn't pass under His sovereign eye. While we may not know His timing, we can trust His authority.
2. The Spirit's Power
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8). God hasn't left us to wonder and wait alone. He has sent His very Spirit to dwell with us, giving us power not for worldly success or comfort, but for something far greater – to be His witnesses. This power isn't political, social, or economic. Instead, it gives us:
- Boldness to speak the good news
- Clarity in declaring God's Word
- Endurance in persecution and suffering
3. The Son's Reign
"He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight" (Acts 1:9). Jesus' ascension wasn't the end of His story – it was confirmation of His status as the reigning and conquering King. He lives and rules, and He is returning for His people. When He does, it won't be a private event like His ascension, but a public display of power that the whole world will witness.
Witnesses of His Power
Like those weather reporters in the storm, we've been positioned as witnesses. But we don't just report on a temporary weather event – we testify to the eternal power of God. This isn't about striving to become witnesses; it's about embracing what God has already made us to be.
If you've experienced the regenerating work of God in your life, you are already His witness. You can testify that:
- God is alive and active today
- He breaks hardened hearts
- He sets prisoners free from sin
- He brings joy to the darkest places
The book of Acts isn't a story of remarkable human efforts to spread the gospel – it's the story of a remarkable God who empowers His weak and faltering people with His presence. He uses the unremarkable and the failing to accomplish His purposes and take His gospel to the ends of the earth.
Living as His Witnesses
How do we live as witnesses of this powerful God?
1. Remember who God is:
- The Father who sovereignly sets the seasons
- The Spirit who empowers His people
- The Son who reigns and is returning
2. Trust His timing:
- God has fixed a day for the restoration of all things
- Every season has a purpose in His plan
- Not a moment is wasted under His authority
3. Rely on His power:
- We don't witness in our own strength
- The Spirit gives us the courage we need
- Our weakness showcases His strength
4. Look forward to His return:
- Jesus will return as He left
- Every knee will bow before Him
- We will be with Him forever
The storms of life may rage around us, but we stand as witnesses of a God who is greater than any storm. We may feel weak and faltering, but His power is made perfect in our weakness. We may not know the timing of His restoration, but we know the One who holds all times and seasons in His hands.
Stand firm, fellow witness. The story isn't over, and the best is yet to come.
Join us this Sunday at Palm Vista Community Church as we learn together what it means to be witnesses of our powerful God, both in life's storms and in its calms.
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