Witness

Every October I am reminded of this one word:  witness!  It is not the only time I think of this word, but 'witness' has an extra punch this time of the year.  And I would like to explain why.   Why this reminder each October, and why this one word ought to be etched strongly in our minds and impact how we live?   Not just in this month, but each month, each and every day!

I was ordained into the office of the Minister of the Word on 21 October 1983.  Church members, other pastors, family members, relatives, and friends, from far and wide, came on a Friday evening and packed the local church to celebrate this day with us.   At this service, the Rev. Leonard Schalkwyk preached a message on John 1:6-9.  I kept copy of his handwritten sermon, entitled:  "The Martyr".  The manuscript is barely legible and has yellowed with age.  In this message Rev. Schalkwyk told us the story of the man sent by God; his name was John.   He told us that John "came as a witness to the light". (John 1:7,8)  This preacher went on to explain that the word 'witness' in the Greek is the word 'martyr'.   Therein lies the challenge I was given: "to preach the Word of God fearlessly, having no regard to persons".   In saying this, Rev. Schalkwyk challenged me to preach the truth of God's Word, not giving in to any opposition that might arise, even if this meant becoming "a true blood martyr for Jesus."  Being a witness.   Being a witness to the point of being willing to die for testifying about Jesus.  Being a martyr for Jesus!

But this truth of being a witness to Jesus is not just true of those called and ordained as Ministers of the Word.  This is what every Christian believer is called to.   The gospel writer Luke tells us what Jesus told this followers:  they are to be his "witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)  A witness.   That is me.  That is you too if you consider yourself a follower of Jesus.   A witness is someone who has seen something, and now testifies to others about it.  This word 'witness' has the idea of giving evidence or proof of something that is true.  Believers are those who through the eyes of faith have seen the truth about Jesus, and now, like the early disciples, they "cannot help speaking about what [they] have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)  The vast majority of those early disciples, and many others throughout the ages, when they kept testifying about Jesus, about what they have seen and heard, they became true blood martyrs for Jesus.  

As churches we understand the importance about being a witness to Jesus.   Our mission is to be "a church reforming to reach the lost for Christ."   Our vision is to see churches grow their gospel impact and multiply throughout Australia and the world.  One of our core values is to be "on mission in word and deed: kingdom-oriented, outward looking, evangelistic, disciple-making, community-hearted."  This is all about being a witness, testifying about Jesus, giving evidence as Jesus himself did, "giving many convincing proofs" that the One who had died for the sins of the world is not dead but alive forever more. (Acts 1:3)

You might wonder, how can I be a witness for Christ?   Well here are a few suggestions.   First, live a consistent Christ-centered life.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16 to "let your light shine before people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."   This is how we are to be salt and light in this world.   Be a friend to people.  Be generous and hospitable.  Listen to the hurts and take note of the needs of others.  As God gives you opportunity, love,  share, and care for those around you. 

Second, pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare the hearts of individuals to receive the Word of life and give you opportunity for witness.   To witness is not about becoming preaching or pushy as you share the good news of Jesus.  It is about telling people what God has done for you and the difference this has made in your life.  You might point them to stories or verses in the Bible that have impacted your life.  Every true believer will desire to share with others what God has done for him or her.  As John writes:   "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us." (1 John 1:3)   If you are a true believer, you will have lots to witness about for you have seen and heard so much.   Simply testify about those things you have seen and heard.   

May it be said of you and me, as it was said of John the Baptist:  "There came a man/woman who was sent from God:  his/her name was your name." (John 1:6)   This John was martyred as a witness to Jesus (see Matthew 14:1-12).  May this be also be the extent to which we follow Jesus:  to be a martyr for Jesus - a witness!