Baptized to be witnesses

We read in the first chapter of Acts :

"While he was with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, which I told you, he said to them, for John has baptized but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. While the apostles were gathered together, they asked him : 'Lord, will you restore the kingdom to Israel at that time ?' He answered them, It is not for you to know the times or the times that the Father has set in his own power. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1: 4-8).

Jesus was talking about the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the disciples wanted to talk about theology and the re-establishment of the Kingdom of Israel, a question that was of particular interest to them, because his answer would have an impact on their personal lives. But Jesus had another interest : that of God, which is why he insisted on the coming of the Holy Spirit in his power, a Spirit who seeks the interest of the other.

We are in a time when most Christians do not announce the gospel. It's a real tragedy. There is, as in being a parent, no personal interest in doing so at first. We imagine the price to pay. But is not it worth it ? Pregnancy, childbirth, then the price to pay later, is nothing compared to the joy of having a child ?

Even many pastors, who should be role models, do not talk about Jesus in their personal lives on a regular basis. Few souls are then added to the kingdom of God. Jesus was so clear, being baptized with the Holy Spirit has one ultimate goal : we were baptized with the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. Imagine your future baby !

Jeremy Sourdril