**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich - A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
"...It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard…"
-Hebrews 2:3b ESV
Have you ever played the game, "Do this, do that"? This simple game is a variation of Simon Says where the leader tells the audience to perform an action with the words "do this," and not to perform an action with the words "do that." Obviously, the similar words and the speed of the presenter can make this game very challenging for the participants. The key is to listen carefully and obey the instructions precisely in order to become the winner.
This is exactly what the disciples had to do with Jesus. They had to listen carefully to what Jesus said, and then take his words to the world. This seems easier to do than it actually was. If you're anything like me, you probably have to write down things to remember them.
Most of Jesus' disciples and followers were illiterate. A few could read and write, and probably did write the words of Jesus down as he was saying them. Yet, the copies of such testaments were not readily or widely available like they are now.
The disciples and followers of Jesus really had to listen closely in order to understand what Jesus was saying, memorize his illustrations and words, then live them out. They also had to give witness (attest) to his actions accurately. If they didn't, they were essentially perverting God's Word, and Jesus gave them strict warnings about what would happen if they did (Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, Luke 17:2).
Yet, their witness wasn't just what Jesus did or how salvation comes through Him alone, but also through how Jesus individually impacted their lives. Whether it was turning Simon the fisherman into Peter the preacher, or Saul the Pharisee becoming Paul the missionary, Jesus radically altered the disciples' lives.
Oftentimes, when preachers speak of "attesting" to what Jesus has done in a Christian's life, the story is not always as extraordinary as Peter or Paul. Instead, the story is simple: I came to faith as a child, grew up in the church, did some bad things, repented, came back to Christ, and now I'm here. Or for those who have been a Christian their whole lives, the story is even less adventurous, resulting in a lifetime of ebb and flow in the walk with the Lord.
Here's the thing: even if your testimony doesn't seem as great as others, don't discount it. My friends told me that my testimony of following the Lord for a lifetime was an example of what happens when someone follows God long-term. Instead of a life of regrets, I can live a life filled with testimonies of how God works through trials. Your testimony matters, and it's important to be an eyewitness for Him.
Show others how He works through your words and actions. You won't regret it.
Let's pray.
Dear Lord, please give us courage to attest to all we have seen you do in our lives. Let us not be afraid to speak up and witness to others. Amen.
Sharing your testimony is a great way to disciple to others.