Eccl. 7:3 π Mt. 24:14 π Mt. 28:18 π Jn. 19:11 π Acts 1:8 π 1 Ths. 3:3 π Jas. 1:2-4 π 1 Pet. 1:6-7 π 1 Pet. 4:12-14
“…And you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the ends of the earth.” ( Acts 1:8; top )
Witnessing is not telling others what God can do or has done, but is a public, visible manifestation of the very character of Jesus in us. It is not something we say but something we are; witness for the Lord has no power in it unless we possess His nature.
Rufus Mosely explained it this way, “You can tell the whole world that you have the chicken pox, but if it’s the measles you have, that is what they will catch.”
In order to be a true witness for Jesus in these end times, Jesus is looking for overcomers that will rule and reign with Him to fulfill, “And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” ( Mt. 24:14; top ) To witness to all the earth will entail a perfect witness in these end times.
However, when the Lord sends a trial or test our way – that God means for us to learn to be an overcomer – instead of persevering until we gain the victory of overcoming in the trial, we spend all our time rebuking the devil, and thereby pass up the opportunity of being an overcomer.
The Scripture tells us to welcome trials: Jas. 1:2-4 ; 1 Pet. 1:6-7 ; 1 Pet. 4:12-14; top .
We have become more Satan-conscious than Jesus-conscious. The devil wants to get all the attention, and he doesn’t care if he gets slandered, as long as he is the topic of conversation.
“That no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for yourselves know that we are appointed to this.” ( 1 Ths. 3:3; top ) God will not shield us or protect us from glorifying Him. It is our requirement to go through these difficulties.
Afflictions cannot injure when blended with submission.
Who has all the power in Heaven and earth? (see Mt. 28:18; top )
When Pilate said he had power to crucify Jesus, Jesus said that he had no power to crucify Him unless the Father gave it to him. ( Jn. 19:11; top )
Someone in a comparable position today would likely say, “Devil, I bind you,” instead of saying, “Lord, what is your will for me at this time?”
Are we willing to let our flesh life die so that we can be true witnesses for Jesus?
“Sorrow is better than laughter, for by a sad countenance the heart is made better.” ( Eccl. 7:3; top )
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