I Will Testify!

January 27, 2022

I Will Testify!

Several years ago, a young couple in the church were engaged in a custody battle with a former spouse.  Their attorney encouraged them to ask me to testify on their behalf in court.  I was willing to testify, but I did not realize I would pay a pretty big price for doing so.

The couple’s attorney was pleasant and respectful in the courtroom.  On the other hand, the other attorney degraded me over and over again in an attempt to destroy the credibility of my testimony.  I was willing to testify, but there was a cost to doing so.

We can testify in the courtroom.  But, we can also testify to a family member, a friend, or a co-worker.  We can testify to a classmate, a neighbor, or someone we just met at the grocery store.  We can testify with the goal of proclaiming the truth. 

We can testify, but it may cost us something.  The cost can sometimes be high when we are testifying to the grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit.  And yet, you and I are called to testify to the goodness and generosity and grace of the Lord God.

While Jesus is visiting with one of the spiritual leaders in Jerusalem He speaks of testifying as a normal thing that people of faith do.  In John 3:11 Jesus says; “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen…”  Nicodemus is not so sure about what he hears so he walks away from Jesus.

On another occasion, the Apostle Peter is visiting with a high ranking military man named Cornelius.

In Acts 10:42 Peter tells Cornelius that Jesus “…commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead.”  Cornelius is convinced and shares Jesus with his family and household guests.

While instructing the disciples about how they are to share the news that Jesus is the Savior, Jesus offers some guidance about testifying.  In Luke 21:12-13 Jesus says; “But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.  This will give you an opportunity to testify.”

Jesus expects us to testify to the truth that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.  Jesus commands us to testify that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.  At the same time, Jesus acknowledges that testifying about the Savior will sometimes come with a high cost; i.e., “…they will arrest you and persecute you…”

Would I go to court again to testify on behalf of that couple who was battling for custody of their child?  Yes, I would.  But the next time, I would be more realistic about the sacrifice I was making as well as the time and prayer invested in my preparation.

Testifying to the amazing love of Jesus in my life may not always be easy, but it is commanded by Jesus.

Testifying to the salvation offered through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus may not always be popular, but it is expected by Jesus. 

Testifying to the abundant life promised to those who trust Jesus with all their heart, mind, and soul may not always be convenient, but it is a necessary part of being a Christ-follower.

When I testify about the Savior, some will respond by giving their life to Jesus.  When that happens, my heart…and their heart…will be filled with delight in the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug