I've Got a Testimony
Scripture Reading — John 1:29-34
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29
I grew up in an African American church where everyone was encouraged to give a testimony before the congregation. The deacon, with an inviting tone, filled the air with, “Who wants to testify about the goodness of the Lord?” Testimonies were the weekly motivation for the saints of God to keep going when struggles in life weighed heavy.
John had a testimony about the goodness of God. He saw that God had invaded the world in the person of Jesus Christ.
John gave a model testimony that we can learn to give about our own life journey.
First, John knew that in the salvation business, his ministry was limited. Only the perfect Lamb of God can take away sin.
Second, John accepted the role of second chair. He was not the main thing. John said, “A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” He was a humble servant to Jesus.
Third, John gave a testimony of what he saw and experienced. The story John told throughout his ministry is this: “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
On this Christmas Eve, tell your family and friends the story of Jesus! That’s our story!
Lord Jesus, as we look forward to celebrating your birth, may our tongues never stop telling the story of forgiveness and salvation in you. In your name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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