"In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." (John 8:17-18, NIV)
According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word “witness” means: to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception; to be present at an occurrence as a formal witness; to bear witness to; testify to; give or afford evidence of; to attest by one’s signature. A witness is a person who gives personal testimony, declares agreement or validates another person’s account of facts, details, or situations. The world has adopted an expression for the meaning of this passage of Scripture. We say, “God is my witness.” In effect, the person is declaring, “I am telling you the truth.” Here Jesus tells the Pharisees that He tells the truth and that God is His witness.
I have noticed that many Christians are reluctant when it comes to sharing their personal testimony. They are self-conscious, anxious, or embarrassed about opening up about areas of brokenness, and putting the intimate and often messy details of their life on public display. In contrast, I openly confess all of the broken parts of my life. I share my journey and tell people all the time that I spent four decades as the “Prodigal Son” living a life of pride and rebellion, selfishness and self-effort, sinful disobedience and separation from God.
My time in the world led to extreme periods of dizzy success, heartache and loss, brokenness and pain. By God’s mercy and grace, I am in a different place now, but it is not because of my efforts. Like Jesus, I have a testimony to share about God’s love and the impact of His amazing and life-changing grace. There was a time when my life was filled with intense loss, depression and despair. Now I have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, an awesome loving Spirit-led wife that I cherish, a revitalized and Christ-centered professional life, a calling on my life to encourage others and more joy and peace than I have ever known. Yes, all I have said is true and God is my witness!
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to be a daily witness for you. Help me be a source of truth and beacon of light in a dark world. Through the blood of Jesus and in the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
