“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…unto the uttermost part of the earth.” — Acts 1:8
Before his death, Jesus had said to his disciples, while comforting them in view of his approaching humiliation and death, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you.” Now, after the conflict and the victory, after triumphing over death, and receiving his reward, in a more emphatic manner he bestowed upon them that peace which passeth all understanding. He qualified them to enter upon the work which he had commenced. As he had been sent by his Father, so he sent forth the disciples. He breathed upon them, and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.”
Bear in mind that first the Lord gave his disciples the Holy Spirit. Those today who would do the work of the disciples must receive the presence of the Holy Spirit, and work under its influence. (2)
The apostles were not sent forth to be witnesses for Christ until they had received that spiritual endowment necessary to fit them for the execution of their great commission. All professions of Christianity are but lifeless expressions of faith until Jesus imbues the believer with his spiritual life, which is the Holy Ghost. The evangelist is not prepared to teach the truth, and to be the representative of Christ, till he has received this heavenly gift. (1)
If any of you succeed in your efforts and win one soul for Jesus, that soul, endowed with the Spirit of God, will seek to enlighten others; and if they are the means of converting one soul, that soul will go to work to save other souls, and thus the work will go on and you can never know the result of your influence until the judgment is set and the books are opened. (2)
Charge for the Day: Jesus said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22). Have you received the heavenly gift? Today, spend time in prayer asking God to pour out His Spirit upon you so that you may be prepared to teach the truth and be a representative of Christ.
1. Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 242
2. The Review and Herald, June 13, 1899
3. Manuscript 79, 1886