TUESDAY 25TH APRIL, 2017
YOU ARE A WITNESS (PART 2)
“…we were not telling clever stories that someone had made up. But with our own eyes we saw his true greatness.… We were there with Jesus on the holy mountain and heard this voice speak from heaven” (2 Pet. 1:16-18).
In our world today, many people are sceptical about the authenticity of the message of Jesus. Why do you think the initial followers of Jesus considered it worthwhile to suffer not minding their own lives for the sake of the gospel of Jesus? Simply put, because of the assurance they had regarding the validity of the life and message of Jesus.
Peter the Apostle presents to us his own conviction about the message of Jesus. First, he talks about his encounter at Jesus’ transfiguration in company of James and John where God, the Father confirmed the authenticity of Jesus’ Sonship (Matt. 17:1-5). Second, the prophecies of the prophets about Jesus Christ spanning over five hundred years were intimately coherent. These are the foundations upon which Peter built his own ministry of witness (2 Pet. 1:18-19).
Many people find it confronting today to witness for Christ with their mouth today. We can all learn from Peter’s example. He was sure beyond the shadow of a doubt:
“When we told you about the power and the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling clever stories that someone had made up. But with our own eyes we saw his true greatness. God, our great and wonderful Father, truly honored him by saying, "This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him." We were there with Jesus on the holy mountain and heard this voice speak from heaven. All of this makes us even more certain that what the prophets said is true. So you should pay close attention to their message, as you would to a lamp shining in some dark place. You must keep on paying attention until daylight comes and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:16-18).
Everyone who has ever witnessed for Jesus has had some life-transforming encounters. Except you encounter Jesus Christ beyond the “scope of religion”, you cannot be a true witness to that change and difference that Jesus makes in a person’s life.
ACTION: You don’t need a special calling to be a witness for Jesus today. Position yourself for an encounter and tell others about it today.
This devotion is a gift of God to you through Bethel Gospel Centre. It will come to you every Tuesday morning. If it has blessed you, kindly share it and allow others to benefit from it. Please contact us to share your testimony or for questions or prayer support. Have a blessed day!
#positionyourselfforanencounter #http://www.bethelgospel.org.au/blog #witness #tuesdaymeditation