Be a Witness
Scripture Reading — John 1:1-9
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. 6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
"He came as a witness to testify concerning that light ..." John 1:7
John the Baptist was unusual. Wearing a camel-skin coat, eating locusts, and living in the desert, he must have been quite a sight. But it was John's calling more than his clothes that made him unique. John knew exactly who sent him and why. He was sent from God to bear witness to Jesus, the light--and so are we.
A witness is simply one who reports what he has seen and heard. He shares personal knowledge and firsthand information. The testimony of an eyewitness can be weighty and convincing. Many a juror has been swayed by the testimony of a creditable witness.
As Christ's witnesses, we share our personal experience of Christ. We show and tell the world about our Savior and what he has done for us. This kind of testimony can be weighty and convincing to others.
As we rub shoulders with unbelievers, it's important to remember who we are. We're not the prosecuting attorney seeking to build a strong case against others. Nor are we judges or jurors seeking to condemn or acquit them. We are not the arresting officer or the bailiff. We are witnesses--called in to testify about Jesus, to share our personal experience with whoever will listen.
Read over the words of John 1:6-8, replacing all the references to John with your first name. Does this help you see more clearly who you are and why?
Lord Jesus, help us reflect on our calling as your witnesses. Empower us to be less judgmental of others and more enthusiastic about what you have done for us. Amen.
About the author — Dan Jongsma
Daniel Jongsma serves as an interim pastor in Fulton, Illinois. He has pastored congregations in Elmhurst and Fulton, Illinois; in Dearborn, Michigan; and in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan also served as a church planter in the Chicago area. He and his wife, Gloria, have three daughters and four grandchildren.
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