Hebraic Musing – How Important Is Your Testimony?
Over the years I have shared my testimony
innumerable times and have also been known to encourage and ask brothers to
share their salvation experiences (testimonies). AND as a result, countless seekers have given
their hearts to Jesus and made Him LORD of their lives. People may argue with your teachings, they
may argue or even ignore your preaching; but they cannot and do not argue with
your testimony – it is a life–changing truth!
What does “testimony” mean according to
Webster? (1) the tablets inscribed with the Mosaic law; (2) the ark containing
the tablets; (3) firsthand authentication of a fact: evidence; an outward sign;
a solemn declaration… by a witness… in response to interrogation…; an open
acknowledgment; a public profession of religious experience. Key words in the various definitions are
“Firsthand”; “Evidence”; “Public profession”; “Witness” and “Evidence”.
The word “testimony” is found 113 times in
the NIV. Many of the references refer to
the Ark in the Tabernacle that held three items: the two tablets, the manna and
Aaron’s rod. Each of these items was a
symbolic “testimony” to the miracles and provision from Almighty God during the
Exodus and wilderness wanderings.
Notice the importance and impact of
“testimonies” in this sampling of Bible references:
·
John 19:35-36 – The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony
is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you
also may believe. NIV
·
John 21:24 -- This is the disciple who testifies to these
things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.
·
1 Cor. 2:1-2 – When I came to you,
brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to
you the testimony about God.
·
Rev. 12:11 – They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;
The apostle John stressed the importance
of a “Testimony” six times in this statement – “We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater
because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone
who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.
Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has
not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has
given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 1 John 5:9-12 NIV
We probably won’t be called before
governors or kings as they were in the book of Acts, but we may be called to
testify to our neighbor next door. I
have been surprised at how many people are hurting and seeking answers and thus
they are willing to hear my (or your) testimony. I’ve
had some incredible conversations with people while introducing them to Jesus
before, during and/or after sharing my testimony.
Points to ponder
How important is it for “others” to hear your
testimony and believe?
Do you have your testimony ready to share?
(If so, please share it with
me.)
Do you have a 30 minute, 3 minute and 20 second prepared
version of your testimony ready?
(You never know how much
time you will be given to share it!)
Have you written out your testimony? And practiced sharing it?
(Please let me know if you
do not think you have a testimony of your salvation.)
Be ready to
share all your blessings as a testimony to God!
Yosef
a.k.a. Joe Brusherd
October
24, 2023
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