Today I am participating in "Monday Manna," hosted by Joanne Sher at An Open Book. Visit her blog for links to more discussion on Acts 22:15.
You will be his witnesses to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:15
The courtroom gallery is silent. The judge adjusts his glasses. The jurors sit in various attitudes of interest. An attorney approaches a lone woman, who has just sworn to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”
“Tell the court what you saw the night of April 18, 2009.”
The witness’s duty is to provide evidence in a trial, to tell her story in her own words before the court. The judge may ask her questions. She may be cross-examined. Above all, the witness’s primary duty is to tell the truth.
God instructed Ananias, a devout observer of Torah and a believer in Jesus the Messiah, to go to a man named Saul of Tarsus and restore his sight. By faith, Ananias delivered God’s mission for Saul--bring His name and His truth before the Gentiles and before the people of Israel. (Acts 9:11-19)
God had chosen Saul, also known as Paul, to be His witness. A witness is more than one who sees what happened; he has to be able and willing to affirm the truth of his testimony.
After his encounter with Jesus, whom Ananias calls “the Righteous One”, Paul was more than willing. He testified to God’s grace, God’s providence, God’s sovereignty, God’s love. He told his story in his own words before more than one court. He was put on trial, cross-examined, accused, and imprisoned.
Paul never wavered in his witness.
Your testimony may not contain the drama of Paul’s, the heartache of Peter’s, or the blessed relief of Mary Magdalene’s. But you are also called to be His witness. Speak the truth. Tell your story. In your own words.
When the Pharisees investigated Jesus’ healing of the blind man at the Pool of Siloam, they grilled him mercilessly. He couldn’t answer all their questions, but he told them the truth: “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25b)
4 comments:
What amazing examples we have of true witnesses here! Thank you so much, Karen, for participating and for sharing your insights. Wonderful.
This is exactly what we're called to do--simply testify of what He has done.
I'm so glad you joined us, Karen!
Hugs!
Karen! Fancy meeting you in Monday Manna! You have such an easy to read and follow writing style, and your message is right on target. I especially love the blind man's quote. Thanks for the reminders of great witnesses from God's Word.
Indeed! Great insights you've shared here. Thank you:-)
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