Jesus told his disciples after the resurrection, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit come on you; and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” Of course Jesus was the best witness who ever walked the earth, and yet most did not believe him. He knew most would not believe his disciples either, but witnesses are important. He gives us this purpose too, and we need the power of the Holy Spirit just like the early disciples did.
What do you think a witness should testify about God? What do you think God wants everyone to know about himself?
The Common English Bible translation of Psalms uses a term over and over that reflects what David wanted everyone to know about God. Here’s a handful of samples:
“I will make music among the nations because your faithful love is as high as heaven; your faithfulness reaches the clouds.” (57:9-10)
“I will sing of your strength! In the morning I will shout out loud about your faithful love because you have been my stronghold, my shelter when I was distraught.” (59:16)
“My lips praise you because your faithful love is greater than life itself!” (63:3)
“God has spoken one thing – make it two things – that I myself have heard: that strength belongs to God, and faithful love comes from you, my Lord…” (62:11-12)
“Bless God! He didn’t reject my prayer, he didn’t withhold his faithful love from me.” (66:20)
As a boy, David knew the Lord as his Shepherd who protected him from the lion and the bear. As a young warrior, David fought in God’s name and gained victory over the giant champion Goliath. As the youngest in his family, David was anointed by God’s spokesman as the next king of Israel. As a subject to authority, David trusted God to deal with a jealous king who tried to kill him. As a leader, David looked to God when those closest to him betrayed him and tried to destroy him. As a father, David cried to God through the horrible ordeal of the violent death of a rebellious son. As a sinner, David found forgiveness from the One he had sinned against. As a poet, David received songs from above that have inspired generations of believers.
When a man or woman lives a life with all its ups and downs and victories and failures, then honestly proclaims: “I will tell all who will listen of my God’s faithful love,” the Father smiles and says, “There’s my witness.”
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power , together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19