3 Witnesses to Jesus
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John 1: 6 – 9 [NIV]
The John here is, of course, John the Baptist. I find it interesting that we are told he was sent from God. To all intents and purposes John was a person like you and me; but he had a special mission: to be a witness, and to testify concerning the light.
This is our mission, too. As Christians the Lord calls us to be witnesses to his Son, Jesus, so that people might believe. We are not the light, so we do not deserve any praise or glory. All of that should go to Jesus. But we are to be faithful witnesses in our families, our workplaces, our communities and our churches to Jesus, the light of the world.
Martin, a friend of mine, was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition and was given 3 years to live. He said to me: “On the plus side, I have found it easier to witness.” But each of us has a finite amount of time left. None of us has anything to lose by being a good witness. [Martin is well and still witnessing 8 years later.]
The French philosopher Jacques Ellul writes:
The Christian can always immerse himself in good works, and pour his energy into religious or social activities, but all this will have no meaning unless he is fulfilling the only mission with which he has been charged by Jesus Christ, which is first of all to be a sign.
Lord, help me to be a witness to Jesus today in the things I do and say, for your glory’s sake. Amen.
David Long
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