March 31st, 2026 Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON ACTS

YOU ARE JESUS’ WITNESS

Acts 1:7-8 “He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus had already given His “great commission” to His disciples that they should make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:18-19) As He is momentarily going to ascend into heaven to no longer be physically present with them, He would not leave them powerless in carrying out this commission. His last words to them while still with them on earth was a promise that they would receive special power from the Holy Spirit to be His “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus cautioned His disciples to not be concerned about the future, especially regarding His return to bring this world to an end. He had taught them previously that their heavenly Father would shorten the days of tribulation (period leading up to the end time) for benefit and blessing of His chosen people. The disciples should simply in faith carry out the Great Commission.

They were men who had heard, touched, experienced, and been trained by Jesus to carry out the gospel ministry He had entrusted to them. Through the holy writings of the Apostles, you also have heard, touched, experienced and been trained to witness to all with whom you come in contact the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. Yes, you are Jesus’ witness to the world to tell what has been revealed to you through the written and spoken Word of God which He provides with power for the salvation of those who learn the gospel’s message from you. (See Romans 1:16) Jesus’ commission to His disciples is also given to you.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill me with Your presence and lead and guide me to give witness to those around me that Jesus is Savior and Lord of us all. In His holy name. Amen.

“How shall they hear,” who have not heard
News of a Lord who loved and came;
Nor known His reconciling word,
Nor learned to trust a Savior’s name?

“To all the world,” to ev’ry place,
Neighbors and friends and far off lands,
Preach the good news of saving grace;
Go while the great commission stands.

“Whom shall I send?” Who hears the call,
Constant in prayer, through toil and pain,
Telling of One who died for all,
To bring a lost world home again?

“Lord, here am I:” Your fire impart
To this poor cold self-centered soul;
Touch but my lips, my hands, my heart,
And make a world for Christ my goal.

Spirit of love, within us move;
Spirit of truth, in pow’r come down!
So shall they hear and find and prove
Christ is their life, their joy, their crown.

"How Shall They Hear," Who Have Not Heard // LSB 831