Take Courage

And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you bear witness also at Rome. (Acts 23:11. KJ2000)


When you think of the word "witness" you usually think of a courtroom—a place where a witness is called to testify.  But in the Bible a witness means more than that:

• A witness is called to testify by word—but not just in court, in everyday life.  We are called by Christ to be his witnesses, telling others what we know about him, by our personal experience.
• A witness is also called to testify in deeds.  If you believe something to be true, you should act upon it.  It should make a difference in your life;  otherwise, you're just someone with a random opinion.
• If need be, this should be maintained to death.  It often surprises Christians that the same Greek word translated "witness" is also the Greek word, "martyr."  Being a witness is serious business.

Paul tells us here just what we are to be a witness to:  the Resurrection.  What does that mean?  Many things;  but here are three that are most important:

• It means that Jesus rose from the grave, bodily—not a ghost or wishful thinking.It means that we, like Jesus, will rise from the grave when he returns.  This is a bodily resurrection. 
• It means that death is not the end.  It doesn't matter how many toys you die with. 
• It means that when he comes, he will judge the living and the dead.  Death does not close God's account books on a man;  there is final judgment yet to come.

If you believe that, then you should testify in word and deed.  For if you believe that, then you cannot escape the conclusion of his divine nature.  You also cannot escape the idea that he is Lord, and will hold you (and all others) accountable for what is done.

Go back to that courtroom.  I sat in one once, waiting for a friend to come to trial.  The first order of business:  the judge cleared the records of those who had been caught driving drunk.  After reviewing each man's completion of the required remedial training, he announced to each, "You may now say that you have never been arrested."  It sounded strange, but forgiveness often does.

When Jesus returns I will be able to say, "I am not guilty!" - and that by order of the court of heaven.  For my Redeemer lives, he has paid the price—and I testify to that.  Do you?