Let’s jump right into scripture today! Read John 20:21, Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” and 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”
What do these verses say? What do they teach us about Jesus? What do they teach us about God?
What is a witness? According to Dictionary.com, witness means when used with an object in a verb is to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception: to witness an accident. To be present at (an occurrence) as a formal witness, spectator, bystander, etc. Used without an object is to bear witness; testify; give or afford evidence. The word witness used as a noun is an individual who, being present, personally sees or perceives a thing; a beholder, spectator, or eyewitness. A person or thing that affords evidence. A person who gives testimony, as in a court of law.
What does it mean to be reconciled to someone? What does it mean for God to give us a ministry of reconciliation? Dictionary.com says reconciliation is an act of reconciling, as when former enemies agree to an amicable truce. The state of being reconciled, as when someone becomes resigned to something not desired. The process of making consistent or compatible.
God brought us into a relationship with Himself because He loves us. The reality is that He has also brought us into a relationship with Himself because He loves the people around us. He makes himself known to others through us as His witness. This means we need to share our personal stories of what God has done in our lives. Our mission is to both the local community and the global community. WE are called to do both. Our roles may be different, but our responsibility to be a witness through sharing our story both locally and globally remains.
Are you ready to take this responsibility?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for allowing us to be your witness. I pray that we will take on this responsibility and not have fear of it. I pray that we will be willing to share what you have done in our lives.
In Jesus Name
Amen
