Copyright 2006 Theresa Harvard Johnson
Acts 1:7-8 says (AMP), 7He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority and personal power.
8But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
Well, there are about four points I want to bring out briefly here as it relates to our scribal ministry.
Point 1: "He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings (the things and events of time and their defined periods) or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time)
When God speaks to us and we write his thoughs through the unique voice he has given us, it is not up to us to decide whether or not it's relevant to the times and the seasons of God and the specifics of what he is doing. It is important for us to record what he has given … and to be prepared to release it as he instructs. When it comes to prophetic writing or "prophesy" … we receive only a part. As others add, as you can see from our challenge exercises, we can begin to see a bigger picture. GOD NEEDS EACH ONE OF US TO COMPLETE THE PUZZLE.
Point 2: "….. which the father has appointed (fixed and preserved) by his own choice and authority and personal power. But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you …"
As you know, we never decide when to write. The Holy Spirit decides for us. We write – not of our own authority and power – but out of his and his alone. Our ability is irrelevant. It is HIS ability that HE uses through us to speak. Truly, there is nothing we can offer God but our obedience and worship …
Point 3: "… and you shall be My witnesses …"
No matter what this world or our flesh tells us, our gift our writing is expected to be a WITNESS to God. The phrase "shall be" is a command … not a choice. The word of God is decreeing, declaring, prohesying … our destiny here. Our entire existence is dependent on being a witness. As a result of our obedience … men shall be drawn unto him and reconciled to the Kingdom.
Point 4: "… in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth."
God is awesome, when I read this I realized that Jerusalem represented our first house – our individual souls. It represented our homes (the ministry of husbands, children, etc.) and our neighborhoods. Just as Jesus witnessed in his own home and community … so must we. Our first obligation is to get ourselves cleaned up, then take care of what's in our homes. Many times, God will use prophetic writing to break us up first … and then, others can be healed and ministered to by it.
Then God brought my attention to Judea. Judea represents the (local church, the city you live in or your county). This place represents your home territory, your training ground or your refining and learning period. In Judea, the place where he was best known, Jesus was hated and hunted, and at one point … he didn't want to return there because their was a bounty on his life. But he did … Just as Jesus had to walk through a dry place and experience a time of learning and growth … so do we. If we can make it through all the people who know us … and don't believe we have been called or who don't believe or gifting or ministry has meaning or that our walk with God is a serious one … we can walk through anything … and continue to be refined.
Last but not least, Samaria represents spiritual maturity. In Samaria, Jesus reached the height of his ministry. He stood in a place where he was consumed full time with WITNESSING and activating SIGNS, WONDERS, & MIRACLES in his walk. He was COMPLETELY focused on SPREADING THE GOSPEL … and pushing REPENTENCE and RECONCILIATION. Samaria is a place of being SOLD OUT for God … and standing in an uncompromising position. As a writer, when you come to this place — there will be no doubt or uncertainty when God speaks and tells you to write … You will know beyond a shadow of doubt that he is speaking. You will know how to listen and follow the instructions he gives you concerning each piece of writing … and you will wait in humility and patience.
