Musing – How Important Is Your Testimony?

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 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, or after, sharing my testimony. . 

Points to ponder

Do you have your testimony ready to share?

Do you have a 30 minute, 3 minute and 20 second version ready?
(You never know how much time you will be given to share it!)

Have you written out your testimony?  And practiced sharing it?

Be ready to share all your blessings as a testimony to God!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                   March 7, 2017