WITNESSES TO THE WORLD

 

Revelation 11 presents two men who will be powerful witnesses to the world in the last days before Christ returns to earth to establish His Kingdom. 

There is an eschatological meaning. I believe that during the Great Tribulation—the last three and one-half years of the Tribulation period—these two prophets will arise to witness for truth against the Lie, incarnated as the Antichrist, (2 Thess. 2:9-12). While some see these as literally Moses and Elijah returned to earth, my understanding is that they are two prophets in the spirit of Moses and Elijah—as was John the Baptist, (Matt.11:7-15). Again, as I interpret Revelation, I believe the church has been raptured before seven years of tribulation—judgments on a Christ-rejecting world—yet, even so, God never leaves Himself without witnesses to the world.

Though there are others who interpret Revelation in other ways, what we ought to agree on is the practical message. These words had application for the first-century saints who received them and now twenty-first century servants who read them. All God’s people are to be witnesses to the world. In whatever age we live, there is the Gospel to proclaim. I want to focus on Revelation 11:4, where we see the Triune God involved in our mission and message. “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.“

First, consider THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR WITNESS, “These are the two olive trees…”. Their light shines because it is fed by the olive oil. In Scripture, the oil is an emblem of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that it would be the Spirit who would inspire and empower His servants to witness to the world. To the teacher that stands in the Sunday School class tomorrow—you need to be filled with the Spirit. You may prepare a lesson, but you can only be prepared to present it, if the Teacher—God’s Holy Spirit—enables you. Preacher, will you be filled with the Spirit? You may put together a message, but as you stand behind that sacred desk to deliver it, there must be that Divine flow of Oil, as the Spirit equips you to proclaim it.

Second, note THE ILLUMINATION IN OUR WITNESS, “These are…the two lampstands…”. The light of our witness is about the Savior who declared Himself to be, “The Light of the World,” (John 9:5). As He now indwells us, we are to reflect His light, since the Lord has called us, “You are the light of the world,” (Matt. 5:14). As a disciple, I am to show Jesus in my life and share Jesus with my lips. This is our witness to the world. Christ is our model and our message. The old hymn by P. P. Bliss states it:

1 Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From His lighthouse evermore;

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

Refrain:

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

2 Dark the night of sin has settled,

Loud the angry billows roar;

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore. [Refrain]

3 Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! 

Some poor seaman, tempest-tossed,

In the darkness may be lost. [Refrain]

Trying now to make the harbor,

Third, observe THE IMPLICATION OF OUR WITNESS, “These are…standing before the God of the earth.”  This implies that one day we will all stand in judgment before the Sovereign. His children will give an answer to the Father. He is keeping track of what we do and say. Are we faithful to His mission. The judgment for us is not to determine our entrance into heaven for that is settled when we receive Christ, but it will be about our enjoyment of heaven—the degree of reward we will receive there. 

The gravity of this for the lost, however, is the most severe implication. Judgment for them is to hear the decree of eternal fire and the degree of suffering based on how much light they had and evil they have done. This ought to motivate the believer’s witness to the world. It did Paul who said, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Cor. 5:10-11a).

FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran preacher in Germany during Hitler’s reign of terror. In his book, “The Cost of Discipleship,” he wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”  By this, he echoed the words of Christ, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,” (Matt. 16:24). It is a spiritual principle. Every believer must die to himself and live for Christ. But, it can also be a literal experience.  It was for Bonhoeffer, whom the Nazis imprisoned and executed on April 9, 1945 as a martyr for Christ. 

We are called to be “faithful until death,”  and the Lord promises, “I will give you the crown of life,” (Rev. 2:10). The testimony of many saints through the ages has been sealed with their own blood. It was true in the first century. It is happening in the twenty-first century. Believers are being slaughtered by the Marxists in Asia and Muslims in Africa. 

We have enjoyed a season of peace and protection in the West, but that may end at some point soon. In fact, Revelation 6:9-11 speaks of a future period of intense persecution that is coming to the world.

Note that there are two reasons stated for their martyrdom. 

THEY WILL BE MARTYRS FOR THE TRUTH,”slain for the word of God.”  Satan, the father of lies, hates the Truth. Through the ages and in this future time, those who have courageously preached the truth of Scripture have found themselves attacked and even slain in an attempt to silence them. But, the Word of God is indestructible. Our Lord declared, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” So, may every preacher stand tall and stay true to the Word of God, whatever the cost!

THEY WILL BE MARTYRS FOR THEIR TESTIMONY, “slain…for the testimony which they held.”  These tenaciously hold on to their testimony under the threat of death. The world despises those who give absolute allegiance to Christ as Lord. The testimony of our salvation—that Christ is the Only Way, the Only Truth, and the Only Life—incites the fury of those who hate Jesus and His people. Let all the people of God be unwavering in their witness. Though most will reject it, some will receive it. 

Remember the words of the old hymn, “The way of the cross leads home.”

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST: FACT OR FABLE?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundational truth of the Christian faith.  Take that away, and nothing else matters.  Listen to Paul’s words in 1 Cor.15:13-19.  

“But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.”

Can we really believe that Christ arose?  The resurrection of Christ—is it fact or fable?  Here is some evidence to consider from a physician’s account in Luke 24:1-12. 

Fact #1: THE STONE WAS REMOVED. “Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. (v. 1-2). 

This is important for several reasons.  First, it was a massive stone, guarded by armed soldiers, (cf. Matt.27:62-28:4, 11-15).  Secondly, it was not removed to let Jesus out, but the witnesses in, (cf. Mark 16:2-5).  One theory the skeptics put forth is that Jesus only appeared to be dead, and after being in the tomb, revived and came out.  Right…He fooled the professional executioners, who stuck a spear right into His heart.  Without medical attention, He not only survived burial, but got well.  Then He rolled the stone away and escaped the guards.  It is far easier to believe the truth of the resurrection than that kind of nonsense!

Fact #2: THE BODY WAS GONE. “Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus,” (v. 3). The disciples were in no condition to steal the body.  They were terrorized by the events, holed up like scared rabbits.  Then, there was the problem of the stone and the soldiers as we’ve already seen.  Some skeptics suggest that the authorities removed His body, so it couldn’t be stolen.  Had that been the case, and the disciples began to preach the resurrection, all they would have had to do was produce the corpse—case closed and Christianity killed.  But, there was no body!  The tomb was empty and it still is!

Fact #3: THE WOMEN WERE SHOCKED. “And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead?’ “ (v. 4-5).  Still another argument is that the disciples wanted to believe Jesus would be raised from the dead so much that they convinced themselves it was true; the disciples then were delusional, kind of a mass hallucination.  The fact is that none of them expected Him to rise.  The women were going to embalm a body.  They were shocked as any that Christ’s corpse was not there!

Fact # 4: THE TESTIMONY WAS GIVEN. “ ‘He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘ “ ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ” ‘ And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. (v. 6-10).  The women heard the incredible explanation from the angels that were there, and they eagerly went and told it.  This is significant also.  In those days, women were second-class citizens.  Their testimony carried with it no credibility in a courtroom.  If you were making up a story—some grand conspiracy—as the skeptics will argue, then you would have had men giving the first testimony and not women!  The only way that women would be chosen is because this is what really happened!

Fact #5: THE STORY WAS REJECTED. “And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them,” (v. 11).  The testimony of the women is met with skepticism.  They did not believe it.  They would not have believed it, unless Jesus really met them and rose from the dead (24:33-43).  The first skeptics were the disciples themselves!  Do you recall the reaction of Thomas to the report of the resurrection? 

“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’ And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ ” (John‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬-‭29‬‬).

Then, weigh the witness of the hateful opponent of Christianity’s witness to the Risen Christ, who was converted to a faithful proponent of the Resurrected Lord. Here is what Paul wrote:

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.” (1 Cor. 15:3-11)  

This is an undeniable transformation of a man who was turned from an antagonist to an apostle, from a persecutor to a preacher. There is no other reasonable explanation for the conversion of Saul the Pharisee to Paul the Apostle except that He met the risen and glorified Christ on the Damascus Road!

As concerning any historical claim—how do we know the reliability of events we ourselves did not observe?  For instance, how do we know there was a real man named Alexander the Great?  How do we know that Columbus sailed to the New World in 1492?  How do we know Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet?  All we have is the testimony of reliable witnesses. Yet, we accept these as facts. So, we can believe the testimony of eyewitnesses, and especially of converted skeptics and haters!

Fact #6:  THE EVENT WAS INVESTIGATED. “But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.” (v. 12). What Peter saw convinced him.  The linen burial cloths were intact—just empty—as though someone had passed right through them!  A grave robber would have torn everything apart.  What a change this produced in Peter—from cowardice to courage.  He was willing to suffer and die for the cause.  People don’t do that for what they know to be a lie.  Nothing can explain this transformation apart from the reality of the resurrection.  

Jesus is still in the life-changing business!  If Jesus did not rise, nothing else matters.  If He did, then everything else the Scriptures claim and command must be taken to heart.  

“ ‘Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.’ ” (Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭30‬-‭31‬‬)

EVERY PRAISE FROM EVERY PERSON IN EVERY PLACE

 

God desires and deserves every praise from every person in every place. This is the repeated refrain of Psalm 67. “Let all the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!” That concludes two stanzas, and in summation, “Let all the ends of the earth fear him!”

We praise God for HIS REDEMPTION FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.1-3). The chosen people plead for God’s grace and blessing in order to extend it to all nations. They want to experience God’s shining presence among the Jews that they might express God’s saving power among the Gentiles. God did not choose Israel to the exclusion of the others, but to be the means of inclusion.  In this dispensation, the church is God’s missionary force. We declare His redeeming grace as available to all men everywhere. Jesus paid the price at Calvary, and God is glorified when people receive that forgiveness by faith.

We praise God for HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.4-5). We rejoice in redemption because it is desperately needed by all people as none of us can meet God’s righteous standard and thus face judgment. God will judge everyone with equity. The perfect righteousness of Christ must be ours or we will experience the wrath our sins merit.  So the question, “Will God judge those who have never heard the Gospel?”  The answer of the book of Romans is that all are without excuse, as everyone has some knowledge of God. The problem is that sinners reject that light and turn to darkness. The question for those who have heard is why have we not told everyone everywhere?  “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Rom.‬ ‭10:14-15‬‬). 

We praise God for HIS RICHES FOR ALL PEOPLE (v.6-7). The rains that water the fields of the just also produce crops for the unjust. The Lord gives a witness to His grace in the bounty of His blessings, leaving men without excuse if they do not turn to Him (cf. Rom.2:1-3). “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4).  The harvest from seed in earth is meant to yield a harvest of souls for eternity!

God’s people are to explain this and call all mankind to fear God. “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Rev. 7:9-10‬‬)

READY TO GIVE A REASON

 

As a follower of Christ, I should know what I believe and why I believe it. Consequently, it is to produce a living hope in me.  The Christian faith is such, that it changes us in tangible ways and we must long to share that reality so it can impact others, as well.

Peter speaks to OUR DEVOTION, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…”. The sharing of our faith with others is foremost a matter of obedience. We have been commanded to witness to Christ by the Lord God Himself.  We are set apart to shine as lights in the darkness of this world.  Our love for God is the foundation of our love for others.

The Apostle then points to OUR DECLARATION, “and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”  There should be something so different about us—a hope so profound—that others recognize it and ask about it. Sharing Jesus does not require beating someone’s door down to do so, but they may beat a path to our door to discover why we can face the challenges of life with a radiant peace and joy.  Those in the world should see that we have something they don’t have and something they need. This is being the salt of the earth; salt makes you thirsty.  It creates a thirst for God in others.

Then, Peter indicates OUR DISPOSITION, “with meekness and fear.”  Meekness is not weakness. It is a disposition of humility. We do not talk down to sinners, for we recognize apart from the grace of God we would still be in the same state.  An attitude of smug sanctimony is not attractive, but repulsive. Someone has defined witnessing as one beggar tell another beggar where to find bread.  The fear of which Peter speaks is not the fear of man—that is what often paralyzes our vocal cords. Rather, it is the fear of God—our reverence for His authority and purity—knowing we will give account to Him concerning whether we seize opportunity or shirk responsibility. Hell is real—and family and friends are going there without Christ. That should move us to speak to them about the only source of salvation.

Having a visible devotion and proper disposition makes our witness credible. Giving a ready declaration makes our faith comprehensible. All these elements are essential for sharing the hope of Christ to a hopeless world.

THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF FAITH

The old hymn begins, 

    How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord 

    Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.

That firm foundation of faith is featured in Acts 4. There are several facets of faith that we see. 

FIRST, WE SEE A CONFESSIONAL FAITH (v.1-22). We have the confession of Peter and John. There are core convictions that Christianity has which are compelled to be communicated. Such terms as, “speaking,” (v.1), “teaching…proclaiming,” (v.2), and “the word,”  (v.4). As a result of the preaching, faith was formed in “about five thousand.”  The core message is Christ—“the name of Jesus…crucified, whom God raised from the dead,” (v.10). He is “the cornerstone” of faith (v.11) and the Gospel message declares, “there is no other name…by which we must be saved” (v.12). That confession is a must for true faith (Rom.10:9-10, 13). The Spirit bears witness to Christ through His church (v.8) compelling us to confess Christ, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard,” (v.20). 

FURTHER, WE SEE A COURAGEOUS FAITH (v.23-31). This courage is required because of the conflict. Proclaiming the Gospel is an assault on the kingdom of darkness. The devil and his minions will fight back, and so we note, “they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus,” (v.18). Such threats and rage had been predicted by David, writing Ps.2 quoted here (v.25-26). But, the kings of the earth are no match for the King of  Eternity!  The “Sovereign Lord” ( v.24), even uses the wicked to work His will (v.27), “to do whatever [God’s] hand and [God’s] plan has predestined to take place.”  The church’s prayer was not for the removal of conflict, but for the reinforcement of courage, “to continue to speak your word with all boldness,” (v.29). Such prayers will shake the world and send us out to speak boldly (v.31). 

FINALLY, WE SEE A COMMON FAITH (v.32-37). Now, by that, I do not mean the faith is cheap and ordinary, but that it is faith all believers have in common. This calls us to do life together in community (v.32). Such common faith produces uncommon fruit—“great power,” and “great grace,” (v.33), inspiring testimony and generosity (v.34-35).

KEEP TRUE

 

This week we celebrate Christmas—the coming of Christ into our world. But, He was not welcome. He entered the world in a stable and was executed with three spikes.  John says, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”(John 1:11). In judging Him unworthy to be their King, Israel brought judgment upon themselves. That is the course our country is following. 

America is in a perilous position. The nation has faced many assaults in the past. Two weeks ago, on December 7, we were reminded of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor that launched us into World War 2. Now, another attack has come again from Asia—an unseen enemy.  

As physically deadly as COVID-19 can be to some, what has happened in our response is to jeopardize, “the land of the free and home of the brave.”  Growing government tyranny and the attack on cherished freedoms such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to bear arms, along with the decline of our economy through lockdowns, while embracing the butchering of babies in the womb and parading of perversion in the streets is more frightening.  I don’t take this virus lightly. I could die from it. But, the virus of sin is worse!  Jesus said, “Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

How will the church respond to living in a hostile world?  The encouragement is that the church in its infancy grew and flourished in a pagan culture where they were hated and hurt.  So, may we.  Jesus promised that His church would march to victory and the gates of hell would not be able to withstand her. Paul was in bonds, but the Gospel was not bound (2:9). He was leading prison guards and prisoners to faith, and some of those soldiers would wind up as Imperial guards and witness to those of Caesar’s household!  He was penning powerful words that are still changing lives today. May God help us keep true!

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 24

God Chose You

“But Moses replied to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent — either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant — because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who placed a mouth on humans? Who makes a person mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.’”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭4:10-12‬ ‭CSB‬‬

When the Lord called Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses had an arsenal of excuses why he was not the most qualified person for the job. One of his reasons was his inability—past and present—to speak eloquently. Despite whether this was true or not, God chose Moses for this task. Likewise, there are men and women in your life who God has chosen you to share the gospel with. Not your pastor or your super spiritual friend, but you. One of the reasons we may be hesitant to share is because we simply do not know what we would say. Our culture is enamored by articulate speakers who can speak intellectually about the claims of Christianity. But God has chosen you to share the good news with your family, friends, neighbor or your one. He made no mistake. He made the mouth, and He will show you what to say.  He will help you speak. Are you willing to be used by Him?

 Pray you would not allow the fear of not being able to speak eloquently to deter you from sharing the gospel. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 18

The Holy Spirit's Guidance

“An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is the desert road. ) So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud. The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.” When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this: He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb is silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who will describe his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. The eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about — himself or someone else?” Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:26-35‬ ‭CSB‬‬

What a joy to have inquiring hearts initiate to us in search of truth! We often intentionally seek out others to share the gospel with, but sometimes God has been preparing a person’s heart to receive the good news, and all that’s left is a divine encounter with a faithful Christian who is willing to share the best news we’ve ever heard. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as He prompts you to share with others, especially your one. 

Pray that in every situation, the Holy Spirit would give us discernment to answer questions accurately and the wisdom to always be prepared to share the good news. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 13

Keep Going

“For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

If we are living intentionally to advance God’s kingdom, we will grow weary. Our souls and bodies grow tired with time and age. Life’s harsh realities put a wet towel on our fiery passion which once burned brightly. But we find hope to endure when we look at the cross. As we think on the person and work of Jesus, we place our hope in the One who endured immense hostility to the point of death on the cross. He did this so we would not give up. As the great crowd of witnesses spurs you on, keep running the race set before you with endurance, with your eyes ever fixed on the Savior. While it may take years or decades to see that friend, family member or your one come to Christ, “be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Pray the Lord would give you endurance as you share the gospel with your one. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 9

Let Your Light Shine

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

As Christians, we are the light of the world, and one way we let our light shine is through our good works. Our good works towards others are not only a way for us to display the love of Christ, but it is also an evangelistic opportunity in and of itself. Those who do not know Jesus are watching us, and when they see our good deeds— which aren’t motivated out of our trying to be loved by God, but instead are an overflow of the love we have received from God— there is an opportunity for them to glorify our Father in heaven. As you go about your day, don’t neglect the evangelistic impact your kindness to others may have.

As your let your light shine this week, identify one kind thing you could do to serve your one, and do it. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD REFLECTED

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”  (John 8:12a). But, in another place, He declared, “You are the light of the world.” (Matt.5:14a). This is what it means to be a disciple—a Christ-follower. “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. “ (John 8:12b).

Our light is a reflected light. Think in terms of the light of our sun and moon. The sun is the source of light. The moon does not generate its own light, but reflects the light of the sun. Thus, the Son of God is the source of any light we have, but we are designed to radiate His glory to the world.

Jesus is in heaven. If He is to be seen on earth, it will be through His church. The glory of God that was manifested in His human body on earth is now meant to be revealed in His spiritual body—the church.

Our world is a dark place. The night of sin has fallen upon the planet. Yet, that makes the need for light all the greater, and causes our light in contrast to be so bright—just like a full moon in a clear sky.

Maintain fellowship with the Lord. Spend time in His presence. In a lunar eclipse, the shadow of earth comes between the moon and sun, and the light of the moon is obscured. If we are not careful, this world can have that effect on us.

In your showing of good works and the sharing of Gospel words, let your light shine today!

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND

Read Romans 14.

“No man is an island,” said John Donne, the seventeenth century English poet and preacher. He was reflecting the Biblical concept that who we are and what we do does not merely affect ourselves, but others around us.  Paul put it this way, “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.” (Rom.14:7‬).

And to this end, we are accountable to God in life and in death.  There will be a Day of Judgment, where we will be evaluated as to the impact our life has had for Christ.  “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (v.8-12‬ ).

The implications for our earthly activity since Jesus is Lord cannot be underestimated.  In every dimension of this life we are responsible to Him—and how we live for Him is in relation to how we live among others.  Likewise, the implications for our eternal accountability before Jesus as Lord cannot be overstated.  In each area of our life we will answer to Him—and He will judge how we have judged the worth of others.

The Apostle begins the chapter by discussing the debates among the saints over sacred days and special diets, that were leading people to judge one another.  Some, with a sensitive conscience were assailing the liberty of their brothers who felt a greater freedom in the “gray areas,” of life, while those who promoted freedom were attacking their brethren whom they thought legalistic, by flaunting their liberty.  Paul concludes with a call to love—to respect one another and commit them to God.  The final judgment is up to the only One qualified to make it—Almighty God.   “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” (v.13‬).

CONTACT WITHOUT CONTAMINATION

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.  (Daniel 1:8)

Christians are to be in the world, yet not of the world.  The firefighter is in the fire, but not of the fire.  He cannot do his job without being close to the fire, but if he becomes of the fire it is life-threatening.  Believers are to have contact with our world, but not contamination from the world.  The story of Daniel and his three young friends in chapter one of his book provides insight.

We are presented with a complex and perplexing dilemma  (v.1-4)  How in this world can I be holy?  We live in a world filled with filth bent on polluting us.  Yet, God has deliberately placed us in this kind of environment—otherwise, we could not carry out our mission.  These four teenagers faced such a challenge to their faith.  They had to learn to be conversant with a pagan culture, but not corrupted by it.  Jesus has not called us to be isolated, but insulated, from the world.  We are not summoned to a monastery, but a ministry.  We are to be salt that seasons society and arrests the spread of corruption, but salt has to make contact before it can help preserve and season.  If it remains in the salt shaker it can’t do any good.  We are also to be the light of the world—and a flashlight at noonday won’t do much, but put it in the dark and it can show the way.  

This is not to minimize a clear and present danger (v.5-8).  It is the little compromise that opens the door to a major catastrophe.  How often Satan says, “That’s not so bad—people do much worse.”  Or, “Just this once—what could it hurt?”  Just a little wine—Satan whispered to Daniel—everybody else is doing it.  You don't have to be an oddball.  So it begins.  No one starts out with the goal of becoming an alcoholic, but you’ll never have to worry about that if you don't take the first drink.  Nobody intends to become a drug addict, and you won’t if you don’t smoke that first joint.  People don't become bankrupt from gambling without placing the first bet.  You won’t become  pregnant out of wedlock or contract an STD, if you don’t surrender your virginity.

We must make a committed and persistent decision (v.8-10).  They drew a line in the sand.  The old country song is so true, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”  That line you draw will have to be redrawn again and again.  Temptation functions like gravity.  It is constant and must be resisted.  The chief of the eunuchs was worried about losing his head—Daniel’s fate might be the same.  You don’t tell a tyrant, “No.”  But Daniel wasn’t worried about death for he had already died—died to self and to the world.

This brought a complete and powerful deliverance (v.11-20).  Daniel says, “Watch me and I’ll prove God is real!”  If God didn't come through, he was through!  Our world isn’t impressed with words—it waits to see the reality of our faith.  Miracles come to those expecting one.  Even the pagans had to take notice.  We can make a difference by being different.  Will we?

THE WATCHMAN ON THE WALL

 

“So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me.”  (Ezekiel 33:7)

Pray for your pastor!  He has a task assigned to him by God which carries a great responsibility with a grave accountability.  I have copied these words from Matthew Simpson into the front of my Bible:

His throne is the pulpit; he stands in Christ’s stead; his message is the Word of God; around him are immortal souls; the Savior, unseen, is beside him; the Holy Spirit broods over the congregation; angels gaze upon the scene, and heaven and hell await the issue. What associations and what vast responsibility!

God spoke of his messenger as being a watchman on the wall—a sentry posted to sound a warning to the people when an enemy was approaching.  This is the thrust of Ezekiel 33.

God appointed Ezekiel to this duty (v.7a).  He didn’t have a choice in vocation.  This was not one job possibility among several.  His only choice was to respond to the call with obedience, or to disobey and face the consequences.  The pastor is not a volunteer; he was drafted!  This is his appointment.

The prophet was to hear the Word and share what he heard (v.7b).  As his position was not self-motivated, his preaching was not self-originated.  The pastor must prayerfully immerse himself in studying the Scriptures to comprehend what God says and then fearlessly and faithfully expound that message to the congregation—without deletion or addition.  This is his authority.

It is a job too big for a mere man, so the Spirit of God empowers the preacher.  Ezekiel had experienced this.  In a parallel passage in the third chapter, several times it is mentioned, “the Spirit lifted me up,” (v.12, 14, 24) and says, “the hand of the Lord was strong upon me.”  (v.14)  This is his anointing.  What folly it is for a man to rely on his feeble intellect and ability to futilely try to accomplish a supernatural work!

The eternal destinies of men and women are at stake.  There is a day of judgment coming and the preacher must sound the warning.  Heaven is a happy place and hell is a horrible place.  The man of God raises the alarm, “Prepare to meet your God.”  (Amos 4:12)  People must be called to repentance and faith.  When the pastor discharges his duty, then the sinner is responsible with how he or she responds to the message (v.4-5).  The blood is then on their heads and off the preacher’s hands (v.6-8).  Sadly, many will not heed the warning.  Some, however, will (v.5b, 11). The blood off our hands and on their heads, then becomes the blood on their hearts that saves from sin!  The Lamb’s blood—the sacrifice of Jesus—is sufficient to cleanse the vilest sinner!  God wants us to be saved.  That’s why He sent His Son into this world.  Everybody ought to know!

While we have focused on the pastor’s call as a watchman, with a view of you praying for and supporting him in this burden, we must also come to grips with the reality that there are not enough preachers in the world to reach all the lost.  Every child of God has been called to be a watchman in the sense of being a Gospel witness.  Are you helping to sound the warning—or is there blood on your hands?

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  (Mark 1:11)

It is difficult to end up in the right place, if you don’t start out on the right track!  A key to finishing well is beginning well. What we find in our text is the beginning of Christ’s public ministry.  The events recorded here provided the point of departure on a course of obedience to His Father that would lead Him to say, “It is finished”—the race is run, the journey is done, and the victory is won!  That is how I want to end!  Jesus shows us how to get on the right track.

There was THE WITNESS THAT HE SHARED (v.9-13).  If we are on the right track, others should be able to see it!  The witness wasn’t merely declared by His lips, but demonstrated by His life.

We observe the witness of His virtue (v.9-11). “You are my beloved Son….”  From the time of Christ’s appearance at the age of twelve in the temple to his baptism at the age of thirty, there are eighteen hidden years of maturing. He passed that part of His schooling!  God doesn’t develop His leaders in a microwave, but a crock pot!  Then He steps into public view. Baptism was a testimony of His identification with sinners and mission to die and rise again.  It was another step of obedience. 

We note the witness of His victory (v.12-13) “tempted by Satan….”  This was the biggest test yet.  Jesus passed with impeccable credentials!   He was with the wild beasts as the Last Adam—in harmony with earth.  The angels come and ministered to Him after this great battle—He was in harmony with heaven.

There were THE WORDS THAT HE SPOKE (v.14-15).  If we are on the right track, we should be able to tell others how to get on it!  From out of the fountain of His pure heart, flowed these powerful words from His mouth. 

Consider the source of the message (v.14) “the kingdom of God….”  The kingdom of God is the rule of Heaven over all.  As in every kingdom, there are laws, which govern the conduct of the citizens.  Notice that John had been proclaiming that message and now that his voice is soon to be silenced in death, Jesus will take up the message.  God always has someone to lead us on the right track.  In every generation, He raises up witnesses to the truth.

Furthermore, we find the substance of the message (v.15)“Repent, and believe….”  This is the core message of the Bible.  It is still our message for today. Being on the right track means that both repentance and faith are present in order not to derail!

There were THE WORKERS THAT HE SUMMONED (v.16-20).  Being on the right track means we show it by our life and share it with our lips, but also, that we summon others to join us on the trip.

We hear a call to follow (v.16-17a; 18-20) “Follow Me….”  To follow Him is to forsake all else (v.20).  There is just one right track—everything else is a detour.

We have a call to fish (v.17b) “I will make you fishers of men.”  Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  He calls us to fish for souls of men!  There are plenty of fish.  The Gospel is the net.  Apart from Him, we cannot catch men, but apart from us, He will not.  This is our job.  Bring them in!

HEARTS UNITED

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is

For brethren to dwell together in unity!  (Psalm 133:1) 

If you knew that you would die tomorrow, what would be on your mind?  What would you pray about?  It might vary from person to person—but, one thing I can guarantee—it would not be something trivial.  We know what Jesus was thinking and praying about as He stood in the shadow of Calvary, just hours before He would be nailed to a cross.  He prayed for His people to be one (see John 17).  If this was on the heart of Jesus at a time like that, then it must be a priority and passion for us.  This is the theme of Christ’s ancestor, David, in Psalm 133.

We are confronted immediately and forcefully with GOD’S DESIRE FOR UNITY (v.1a). “Behold” is an exclamation.  It is an arresting word—a word of passion.  This calls attention to something important!  It is meant to express the desire of God for unity. It speaks of “how good” and “how pleasant it is.”  “How” much indicates the immeasurable value of unity.  Unity is good for it is the expression of the One who alone is utter goodness—God Himself.  Within the One Triune God, there are three Persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  There is infinite love, perfect unity, and utter harmony in this relationship.  It is pleasant for unity restores the harmony of paradise before sin disrupted relationships.

Next, we are pointed to GOD’S DESIGN FOR UNITY (v.1b).  What is unity?  There is a false unity that says, it doesn’t matter what you believe or how you behave—just love one another.  It has one great virtue: tolerance.  In the same chapter where Jesus prayed for unity, He also prayed that we would be sanctified by the truth of God’s Word and kept pure from a sinful world—so obviously unity isn’t at the sacrifice of conviction.  Unity isn’t uniformity.  Some churches try to impose rules and make everyone conform to a certain way of looking and acting.  The church, however,  isn’t an organization—it’s an organism—we’re different parts!  There is room for debate and discussion, so long as we do so in love. Unity is about being in a family.  We are “brethren.”  We “dwell” together.  That is we maintain our closeness.   We are “together” in the essentials. Ours is a common faith—the Apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42-47).

This psalm culminates with GOD’S DESCRIPTION OF UNITY (v.2-3).  Unity is described as anointing oil (v.2).  It unleashes fragrance.  This perfumed oil was made of myrrh, cinnamon, sweet calamus, and cassia blended together in olive oil.  Aaron was anointed with it—the oil generously flowing down—so that the fragrance was pervasive.  Unity is like that—you can smell its sweetness.  Frankly, some churches stink.  When the decay and dissolution of a body comes, there is an awful odor.  Are people attracted or repulsed by us?  Unity is also described as morning dew (v.3).  It produces fruit.   In that arid climate, there were only a couple of brief rainy seasons in spring and fall.  Gardens would burn up in summer had it not been for the ample dew.  Dew comes in stillness not storms.  It distills when atmospheric conditions are right.  A fruitful church requires three essentials for a climate of unity: love for the Lord, love for each other, and love for the lost.

May we unite our hearts with our Lord by praying for hearts united in our fellowship and mission!

THE DYNAMIC DUO

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”  (Revelation 11:3)

There are things that go together: peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, peas and carrots.  There are names that go together: Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, Batman and Robin.  Speaking of Batman and Robin—those two are known in comic book lore as the dynamic duo.  The caped crusaders are from a writer’s imagination, but there is a real dynamic duo that arises in the end time—not fighting crime in Gotham, but standing for truth in Jerusalem.  Revelation chapter eleven tells their story.

During the tribulation period, a temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Rev.11:1-2). Preparations are being made by Jews to bring this to pass.  It is the great yearning of their hearts.  It may be part of the peace settlement that Antichrist will promise to Israel to entice them to sign a treaty.  This temple, however, shows Israel still failing to receive their Messiah.  Jesus came and sacrificed His blood to establish the New Covenant.  Many times in the epistles it is stressed that returning to temple worship is rejection of His atonement.  Eventually, the Antichrist will enter this temple and defile it, setting himself up as God and demanding the worship of the world.  The measuring rod here is a symbol of judgment.  This temple doesn’t measure up.  Its worship is repudiated.

God will raise up his dynamic duo to proclaim the truth—to call Jews and Gentiles to Christ (v.3-10).  During earth’s darkest era, God will have His two lampstands shining brightly.  Their ministry is supernaturally confirmed by great miracles.  They stand in the spirit of Moses and Elijah.  Some think they are literally Moses and Elijah returned.  Some scholars suggest Enoch and Elijah.  While I respect their views, I believe more likely they are two who have the attributes of those mighty men of God, but not actually those servants.  Other things are clear.  They are invincible—divinely protected.  The Antichrist will want to silence them because they expose him for the liar he is.  Sinners will despise them because they confront their evil deeds.  George Whitefield said, “We are immortal until our work on earth is done.”  There comes a time when their ministry is finished—God’s appointed hour for His anointed heralds—and they are slain.

The world has a holiday.  What a celebration when they are killed—their bloated bodies are paraded before the gawking masses and beamed around the world by television!  Just when evil thinks it has triumphed, God shuts the party down (v.11-14).  Isn’t it reminiscent of what happened when Satan thought Jesus beaten and silenced in the grave?  Death was defeated—up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes!  In that resurrection power He will summon the dead in Christ back to life and with living saints rapture them.  The world tried to explain that away.  God will show them that reality by raising and rapturing the dynamic duo.  The scene shifts from earth’s temple to heaven’s (v.15-19) with the Hallelujah Chorus sung victoriously.  Lightning flashes and thunder rolls; more judgments fall on a world that despises God.  I want to be with that throng above don’t you?  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life—trust Him today and be on the winning side, not left behind to face these horrors of the tribulation!

WORSHIP, WORK, AND WITNESS

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light….  (1 Peter 2:9)

We have all heard of coach potatoes—are you a pew potato?  Without exercising our faith, we will be spiritually flabby.  Paul said, “exercise yourself toward godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7b).  It is time for a workout!  Peter speaks of three areas needing attention to grow strong in faith.

WORSHIP BUILDS HEALTHY HEARTS (1 Pet.2:1-5).  Peter is talking about the heart of our Christian experience—worship—and how our heart for God can beat strongly.  You will never grow spiritually beyond the level of your experience with God. Physically, cardiovascular disease is a killer.  Two keys to a healthy heart are diet and exercise.  This is true spiritually.  We are to feed upon the Word of God (v.2) and exercise our faith in the pursuit of God (v.4a).  This is a good description of what worship is all about.  Notice that WE HAVE A SANCTUARY (v.5) “living stones…being built up a spiritual house….”  The church is not a building of bricks and mortar, but a living thing constructed of the individual members.  WE ARE GOD’S SERVANTS (v.5) “a holy priesthood….”  The Old Testament priests were set apart to minister to the Lord.  In the New Testament, every believer is a priest who comes before God to worship.  WE OFFER SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES (v.5) “to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God….”  Jesus said the only acceptable worship is offered in spirit and truth. 

WORK STRENGTHENS HELPING HANDS (1 Pet.2:9-18).  Peter points out that because of who we are (v.9)—our position—it affects how we act (v.11-12)—our performance.  A sedentary lifestyle will never build strength.  There is no easy way to develop spiritual muscle.  Growing strong as a Christian requires intense effort.  We are chosen—set apart for God’s service (see Eph.2:8-10).  When are you going to grow up and get to work?  A mark of physical infancy is that you require constant care.  Babies demand attention.  They make many messes, but never clean them up!  It was a happy day when my girls got old enough to wash the dishes and the boys grew strong enough to mow the grass!  That meant they were growing up.  How about you?  Are you here to be served or to serve?  Perhaps you aren’t an active member of a local church.  Don’t you think it is time to enlist and get busy?  It is unthinkable to me that someone could be content to look at the sacrifice of Jesus and not respond with grateful service to Him!

WITNESS DEVELOPS HEALING SPEECH (1:22-2:1, 6-9, 21-25).  I don’t think I’ve ever been to the doctor that he didn’t say, “Open your mouth and stick out your tongue.”  He shines a light in and looks around.  You can tell a lot about a person’s health by looking in their mouth.  How true that is spiritually!  Some of us have mouths loaded with disease (2:1).  Our words can hurt and our words can heal.  The most important thing we can say is a good word about Jesus.  People need to hear the Gospel—this is the seed of eternal life (1:23-25). Taking in the word of God is essential to spiritual growth, but unless we share it, we will get fat and not fit.

Worship, work, and witness are marks of spiritual health.  Ready? Exercise!

LIGHT YOUR WORLD

 

that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world….  (Philippians 2:15)

A demonic darkness has descended upon America.  Daily, it seems, we hear of the most horrific crimes that are committed.  Dope, debauchery, drunkenness, devil worship—all this and more has enslaved millions.  The evil of sin is decimating our nation, destroying our families, and defiling our churches.  What are we to do?  Enough hand-wringing!  Our response is clear according to Scripture!  Paul admits to the reality of the darkness—it is “a crooked and perverse generation.”  So, let your light shine!

Paul speaks of THE LIGHT OF CONTENTMENT (Phil.2:14).  You must keep the wick of an oil lamp trimmed or it becomes hard and gives off more smoke than light.  A spirit of discontent hardens our heart and disputes smoke up the church with a foul odor and dim the light.  Contentment, on the other hand, is an attitude that brightens the room!  Don’t argue with Paul about, “If you knew what I was going through…if you knew how people have treated me…” because he was writing these words from a dark prison cell, suffering what he did not deserve!  Yet, the whole letter is brimful of joy and the Apostle exults, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”  (4:11b)  Have you?

There is also THE LIGHT OF CONSECRATION (Phil.2:15a).  For an oil lamp to shine, you must keep the globe clean.  Consecration is about the cleansing of sin that comes from confession.  It is a regular need, for we all at some point or another succumb to temptation.  We can be wiped clean again through repentance.  God calls us to be blameless—where no one can point to a scandalous sin that contradicts our claims as the children of God.  We are to be harmless—and the word means, “for real,” so sinners cannot call us hypocrites.  If we are to bring others to the light, then we must be clean.

Next, we note THE LIGHT OF COMPASSION (Phil.2:15b-16).  An oil lamp requires fuel!  Compassion is the oil in the lamp of our testimony.  Paul had a burning heart to reach the lost.  Even in prison, his compassion brought a compulsion to win souls to Christ (read Phil.1:12-14).  People are sailing on the storm-tossed seas of sin—in the darkness of deception drawing ever closer to shipwreck on the rocks of God’s wrath.  Their only hope to make safe harbor is for the church to be a lighthouse and where there are those already sinking in sin—throw them the life-preserver of “the word of life.”

In conclusion, we need THE LIGHT OF COMMITMENT (Phil.2:16b-18).  You may have your wick trimmed, the globe clean, and oil in the lamp, but there is one more requirement—a flame to ignite it!  Commitment is the spark for our witness.  Paul had such a commitment to Christ and His commission for him that he saw himself as a sacrifice—a drink offering poured out on the altar.  He was running the race to win and laboring to receive an eternal reward.  God wants us to be productive—and reach our world.  Let us seek Paul’s passion and emulate his pattern lest our race and our labor be, “in vain” (v.16).  The darker the world, the more our light is needed—and effective!