A Word from the WORD: "THE WHYS AND WAYS OF WITNESSING" (Article 205)
Life Fellowship
THE WHYS AND WAYS OF WITNESSING
Virender Sehwag. Indian cricket star. Hailed and celebrated the world over for his explosive batting. A. R. Rehman. Oscar winning musician and composer. Can produce enchanting music that leaves one spellbound. Michael Jordan. Basketball sensation. Watch him fly through the air.
We could go on and on. The sad truth, however, is that while there are millions to talk unreservedly and unashamedly about the greatness of one mortal being and the brilliance of another, there are only a precious few people who would do the same when it comes to witnessing about the “Bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16), and the One who is “outstanding among ten thousand and altogether lovely” (Song of Solomon 5:10, 16)- Jesus Christ.
Witnessing for Jesus. Testifying about Jesus. We are called and commanded to do so (Matthew 10:27, 32-33; 28:18-20; John 15:27). Infact, when we look at the Trinity, we find that this is exactly what they do. On the day of His baptism, the Father testified from Heaven concerning Jesus, “This is My Beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased!” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus, while on earth, testified about who He was (John 8:14, 18). And the Holy Spirit was sent from the Father to testify about Jesus and help us be His witnesses (John 15:26; Acts 1:8). What's more, we even have Creation declaring the glory of God (Psalm 19:1) and the Scriptures constantly pointing us to Jesus (John 5:39).
There is no doubt that God's plan and purpose concerning us is to be “soul-winners”. But by and large, the Church is filled with people who are seat-warmers and spectators. Witnessing being such a solemn and serious responsibility, how can we best do it. What are the ways in which we can proclaim about our Risen Lord?
1. Through Living
We can be witnesses in our daily life- home or office, school or college- through being “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-14). These two elements can immediately be known or recognised by their presence or absence.
Each one of us must remember that we ourselves are God's “Message” for this “Mess-Age”! It is through each one of us that God spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. As Paul said, we are called to be the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15).
The way we lead our lives should show others that we are followers of Christ. Our actions speak louder than our words. It is vital that we do not conform to the ways of this world but rather, reflect and reveal Jesus through the choices we take and the decisions we make.
2. Through Preaching
Every disciple has been commanded by the Lord to preach to the people (Acts 10:42). We are to proclaim aloud the message about Jesus. Did not our Master clearly tell us, “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs” (Matthew 10:27)?
There can be several reasons why we get tongue-tied when it comes to talking about Jesus. The fear of man can prevent us from witnessing. But Isaiah tells us that men are just like grass (Isaiah 40:6). Who would be afraid of grass!? Another reason is perhaps because we haven't realised the superlatives of witnessing- that it is the greatest work on earth, the wisest business one can be involved in, and even the happiest job where one can experience unparalleled fulfillment and joy.
Now we don't need to be trained speakers to be witnesses for Jesus. We can communicate in our own style. We could perhaps witness like the blind man, “Yesterday I was blind; today I can see!”- that is, we can share our testimony about our life before and after meeting Jesus.
Or we could be like Andrew. Everywhere we read of him in the Gospels, we find that he was always connecting people to Jesus. After meeting the Lord, the first thing he did was to bring his brother Peter to Him (John 1:40-42). Then we find him bringing the boy with the five loaves and two fishes to Jesus (John 6:8-9).
3. Through Demonstrating
When Jesus first sent out His disciples to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, He gave them the authority to heal, raise the dead and cast out demons as well (Matthew 10:7-8). Just before He ascended to Heaven after His resurrection, He again spoke of how His disciples would manifest the power of God along with their proclamation of God's Word (Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:49).
There are many people in dire need around us. They are in situations and face circumstances where one can minister the love and power of God. We must not think that power evangelism is no longer needed today. If the same needs that was present 2000 years ago is present today, how else are we supposed to meet it than the way Jesus and the apostles met it in their time!
Why are miracles so rare today? Unbelief is one major reason and disunity in the Body of Christ is another crucial impediment. Whereas in early days, it was “Peter and John” who healed the crippled man at the Temple Gate, today it has become “Peter vs John”.
4. Through Going
Amos was a shepherd boy leading a comfortable life until God called and sent Him far away to Bethel as a prophetic voice. Isaiah committed Himself to go for the Lord in response to the call from Heaven. Paul's constant ambition was to preach Jesus where He was not known.
There are millions and millions who have to still hear the Good News. Jesus clearly said that the end would not come until the Gospel had been proclaimed everywhere. We have been given a great responsibility. Infact, we are debtors to people- we owe them the Gospel! (Romans 1:14)
The harvest field is truly great. And people are truly open as well. India is the only country in the whole world where we can speak to the maximum number of Muslims without opposition from the National Government. We must make maximum use of the opportunity we have to bring maximum souls into the Kingdom of God.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you!