Tag Archives: bearing witness

March 9
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“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12, NLT)

Peter’s declaration to a skeptical — if not hostile — audience is not made with malice. It is made as a faithful testimony to the scriptures, and to the evidence of God’s work in our time.

Each day, we have an opportunity akin to Peter and John’s, as recorded in today’s reading. If we are diligent students of the holy scriptures, and are vigilant for His presence, we will have numerous occasions to give faithful testimony.

People may dispute the former, and discount the latter; but our role as faithful witnesses remains, nevertheless.  – Luther

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August 12
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“Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.” (Psalm 69:6, NIV)

As children of God, we represent the “family name.” 

All that some people know of God — particularly those who do not know God — is what they see of God in us; and what they hear of God from us. For this reason, it should be our ambition to grow to maturity in the grace and knowledge of God.

Today’s psalm is attributed to David, of whom it was written that he was “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).  

David didn’t always live up to his potential as a warrior (although he was a peerless warrior); or as a king (although he was a great king); or as a father and husband. However, when David failed he didn’t make excuses for his failures.  He fought to regain sight of God’s standard, turned his heart toward the Lord, and owned-up to whatever personal sacrifices and behavior changes he needed to return to fellowship with his Creator. 

David knew, as we should know, that we are always under observation.

When our children watch us, as they do, what do they see?  When our co-workers watch us, as they will, what do they see? When our casual acquaintances think of us, as they shall, does integrity, self-control, fairness, gentleness, patience, peace, faithfulness, and love come to mind?  

The world watches the children of God.  Does what they see of us; and what they hear from us speak well of our family name?  – Luther

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May 6
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“The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” (Luke 8:38-39, NIV)

“You can’t go home again,” is the title of a famous book written by Thomas Wolfe (1940).  Returning home is not always a pleasant option. It certainly was not a cheerful thought for the man in today’s scripture, for whom Jesus had liberated from the tyranny of demon-possession.

Perhaps he feared the taunts of those who remembered him in his former state. Perhaps he thought that his new life warranted a fresh start in a new place.  Perhaps he thought that he could do more for the reputation of Jesus as a part of the Master’s entourage than he could by returning to the skeptical folks at home. 

However, Jesus had other ideas.  “Return home and tell how much God has done for you,” Jesus told the man. He is telling you and me the same thing today. 

Our task is a simple one: Tell what God has done for you. 

Be bold. Give God the glory. No one can tell your story better than you. Be faithful in this simple task.  – Luther

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