What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say, witness? For me, I remember a little “track booklet” we would pass out to strangers explaining God’s plan for salvation. When I was a younger Christian this method was used far and wide by many Christian groups and circles.
As I continue to grow and mature in the Lord, I see the definition of a witness so much more than just handing another person a track and running. God calls the light to invade the darkness.
If God asked you to go into a smoky bar, and sit down and wait to talk with a man in a blue collared shirt that would be coming in to sit down next to you, would you go? Then in your obedience on your way to the place, He begins to tell you a story about this man’s life and how he lost his father at a young age and had been angry at God since then. God then tells you he is sending you to bring hope and healing to this stranger’s heart, and to be a witness of the Father’s love. Would you still go even if he didn’t receive you?
One who is a witness for the Lord is one who knows and shares about His saving power, who is also God’s servant. We are told, “You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He.” (Isaiah 43: 10)
- Witnessing is about servanthood.
Witnessing is understanding that God said, “Before me, no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43: 10-11)
- God is the one who saves and reveals and proclaims.
- We are witnesses that He is God.
He said, “No one can deliver out of my hand, when I act, who can reverse it?” (Isaiah 43: 13)
Witnesses Move Ahead
Sometimes in our walk, we have to move ahead and forget what happened. We are encouraged to, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43: 18-19)
God has said, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” (Isaiah 43: 25)
- Witnesses can proclaim we are freely pardoned.
(Shared from Isaiah 43, Modified)
Witnesses See The Rebellion
Our friend Ezekiel knows “He was living in a land among rebellious people. “They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.” (Ezekiel 12: 2)
Witnesses Are A Sign
Ezekiel once again is given a symbolic prophetic act, bringing it forth. God told him to, “During the daytime while they watch, bring out your belongings packed for exile. Then in the evening, while they are watching, go out like those who go to exile. While they watch, dig through the wall and take your belongings out through it. Put them on your shoulder as they are watching and carry them out at dusk. Cover your face so that you cannot see the land, for I have made you a sign to the house of Israel.” (Ezekiel 12: 4-6)
- Our God is the God of breakthrough.
- Witnesses and prophets breakthrough for others.
- Witnesses are being watched by others.
- Witnesses exhibit unquestionable obedience.
True Witnesses Are Not False Prophets
Ezekiel was now told to prophesy against the false prophets who defile the name of the Lord.
- The enemy uses false prophets to destroy the witness of a true prophet.
God has promised, “I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 13: 23)
(Shared from Ezekiel 12-13, Modified)
Witnesses Live As Children Of The Light
Children of the light live putting, “Off our old self…but being made new in the attitude of our minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4: 22-21)
There are things in our old self we need to work on getting rid of. There are attributes we can put on, practice, in our new self. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4: 32)
- Witnesses bring to others what we have received from God.
- Witnesses rely on the Holy Spirit to be made new in Christ.
(Shared from Ephesians 4, 17-32, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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