We’re so excited to bring you the first of our series of devotions! We pray you are encouraged and that you grow in your personal relationship with Christ. These devotions will be rooted in scripture and based on the message of our songs.
With “Looks Like Jesus” impacting so many lives, the message of September’s number 1 song is a great place to start! So, for the month of September, we will be sharing a series of devotions entitled, “Looks Like Jesus!”
PART 1: It’s Your Turn
September 4th, 2022
Acts 1:8
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Jesus had died, and risen from the dead! Before He ascends to His Father, He shows Himself to His disciples. It’s in this moment we read the last thing Jesus said to his disciples before He left. He always said the right thing. He is God! But He chose to say THIS as His “last words” to His followers. What was He saying? - He was saying, “I’m leaving, but my spirit is going to live in you. My power is going to be given to you. I’m not going to be here anymore. It’s on you. IT’S YOUR TURN.”
It’s your turn to be Jesus. It’s your turn to teach. It’s your turn to disciple. It’s your turn to love. It’s your turn to build the kingdom. And 2,000 years later, IT’S OUR TURN. We have been commissioned to look like Jesus to this world. We are to be what Jesus would be if He were us. WHAT A THOUGHT! It’s your turn.
Notice in verse 8 that He told them to be witnesses in “all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” It’s interesting that Jesus made sure to tell them “This is for EVERYONE: Everyone you know and everyone you don’t know.”
Judaea: (Close to home. Where your family is. Where your friends are. People who know you.) People you are around often.) Maybe this can serve as a reminder that, when it comes to looking like Christ, we need to start in our home. Make sure those who truly know you, know you as someone who looks like Jesus. The people you go to school with, or the people you work with need to see Jesus in you. Whoever is in your “Judaea,” your circle... They need HIM.
Samaria: (Those who are strangers. The people who you don’t know and don’t know you.) Maybe Samaria is the grocery store, or a restaurant. Wherever it is you may go when you venture outside of your circle. It’s your turn to take Jesus to them.
The uttermost part of the earth: (Regions, places you’ve never been and may never go). You may never set foot in another state or country. But you can support those who do. The mission of Jesus is a global one. Everybody everywhere needs Him. And if the global church looks like Jesus, we can truly make a difference.
So it’s your turn! Impact those around you how Christ did. He is no longer here in bodily form. YOU are His body now. It’s your turn. So go be Jesus today. God bless you!
- BFA
