“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) ; “You will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8); Luke 10: 1-20
Growing up in a household where faith was spoken about openly wasn’t always easy, it often felt stressful and uncomfortable. When I was a kid, I watched my dad, a pastor, talk about his faith in Jesus. My parents really believed in the scriptures that faith wasn’t just something you kept inside; it was something you lived, and shared. They were prepared to give an answer to anyone about their hope in Jesus and they embraced His call to be His witnesses.
My mother went a step further. She struck up conversations about Jesus on buses, in taxis, even in grocery store lines. As a kid, I cringed, wishing I could disappear. To me it felt awkward, even like a burden. Looking back, I see it differently. They weren’t carrying a burden. They were carrying joy. What felt awkward to me was a life of freedom and witness.
In Luke 10, Jesus sent out seventy-two of His followers. They weren’t famous. They weren’t powerful. They were ordinary people, just like us. Jesus told them not to take extra bags or supplies because He wanted them to trust God’s resources. And when they returned, they were overflowing with joy. They couldn’t believe what God had done through them! And even more incredible, Jesus Himself rejoiced when He heard their report. Joy spreads like wildfire in this story, the disciples rejoice, Jesus rejoices, and heaven itself rejoices. But Jesus reminded them of something even deeper: “Don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” In other words, our greatest joy isn’t found in our successes, it’s found in belonging to Him. And that’s true for us today.
So, this week, look for one opportunity to share Jesus, through kindness, prayer, or a simple conversation. Don’t measure it by results. Rejoice that you belong to Him and let His joy spill over into someone else’s life. Being sent by Jesus isn’t a burden; it’s our deepest joy. We don’t go alone. We go with Him, and we go with His joy. In a lonely and fragmented world, let's open our homes, share a meal, or listen to a neighbor. Let’s serve where there are needs are in the schools, foster care, community partnerships. Tell your story: who you were, how you met Christ, and who you are now gives hope to people in ways that we may not expect. In a cynical world, let’s live with joy, peace, and kindness that point people to Jesus.
Prayer Prompt: Lord Jesus, you have called us to bring joy and life to everyone who is seeking. Give us eyes to see what You see, a heart to feel what You feel, and the courage to respond as You would respond, so that more people may discover life with God for the good of the world. Amen.
Song of the Day: Testify to Love - Avalon
