Witness to an Event
READ: Luke 24:44-53
When I was about eleven years old, I lived in a rural place, and the area behind my house consisted of small, wild animals and wide open plains. One day, while I was kicking a soccer ball around the back yard, I stopped when two teenagers raced through the wide open area on their three wheelers. They weren't very close to where I was, but I remember being shocked to see motorized vehicles trekking across the virgin soil. I continued to watch these two, and as they challenged each other with various stunts, one of their bikes flew into a hole, the rider falling off first, and the bike on top of him. I ran to the house. Soon ambulances, police officers, fire trucks and even a helicopter filled the quiet scene with noise.
I was a witness to the accident, and it has affected my life in many ways. I usually bring up this story when it fits into the conversation. I also watch out for careless and inexperienced drivers.
During Jesus time on earth, many witnessed spectacular sites in the life of Jesus, most with much more pleasant endings than the story above. After Jesus' ascension, the people worshipped Him and spread the word of the miraculous occasion. We are given God's Words from this portion of Scripture, "Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached...You are witnesses of these things." Although we weren't physically able to witness Christ's ascension, we are witnesses by the pages of Scripture. We can share the experience with other people, just like the disciples who were physical witnesses.
God commands us to be his witnesses, sharing His message with all people. The Bible shares letters from people who have witnessed Jesus' life, and now we must spread the news of how our Savior's self-sacrificial life has changed ours forever.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: Have you ever witnessed an event which you shared with all your friends? What did you and those you told learn from the experience? Were they able to tell others about what happened with accuracy?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray that God would encourage you to share His Word with believers whose faith is weak, or an unbelieving friend. Ask God to strengthen your faith by opening your mind to the Scriptures. Thank God that you have been given the opportunity to dig deeper into His Word.