What it means to be a witness in simple terms
Witnessing is a concept that appears in several key Bible passages, including Isaiah 43:10 and Acts 1:8. The idea may seem complex at first. Yet, it is essentially about sharing what you’ve seen, felt, or experienced regarding God’s truth. It also involves sharing the love in your life. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of these verses and what they teach us about witnessing.
Isaiah 43:10 — Witnessing as Chosen People
In Isaiah 43:10, God says, “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen. This is so that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he. Before me, there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.” What does this mean in plain terms?
· Chosen to Know: God chose the people of Israel to know him. They were chosen to believe in him and share their experiences of his truth. Think of it as being picked to tell the world about an amazing discovery you’ve made.
· Understanding God’s Uniqueness: The verse makes it clear that God is the one and only true God. There’s no one else like him. This includes both before and after. This is like saying, “This is the real thing, and there’s no imitation or replacement.”
· God’s Eternal Nature: God doesn’t come with an expiration date—he’s without beginning or end. Unlike other so-called gods, he wasn’t created; he has always existed.
· God’s Authority: By being the only true God, he holds ultimate power and authority over everything. He’s the one calling the shots, not anyone else.
In short, witnessing in this context means understanding that God is unique, eternal, and powerful. After recognizing these attributes, the next step is sharing that truth with others.
Acts 1:8 — Witnessing with the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 shifts the focus to Jesus and the empowerment of his early followers. It says, “But ye shall receive power. The Holy Ghost will come upon you. You shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, in all Judaea, in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Here’s what it boils down to in everyday language:
· Empowered by the Holy Spirit: The disciples weren’t expected to do this on their own. The Holy Spirit gave them the strength and courage to share the message of Jesus. Imagine getting a boost of confidence to tell a friend about something amazing you’ve experienced.
· Being Witnesses to Jesus: Their job was to tell the world what they had seen and known about Jesus. They spoke about his life, his death, and his resurrection. It’s like telling everyone about a historical event you witnessed yourself.
· Spreading the Message Everywhere: The verse outlines their mission. They start locally (Jerusalem), expand regionally (Judaea and Samaria), and eventually share the message globally (to the ends of the earth). It’s like a ripple effect from a single drop of water in a pond.
This verse reminds us that witnessing isn’t just about talking. It’s about being empowered to share the experiences of Jesus. We should do this with people everywhere.
What Does Witnessing Mean Today?
So, how do these verses apply in our lives now? Witnessing means sharing your faith by talking about what God has done for you personally. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to know everything. You just need to be honest and willing to share how God has impacted your life. Witnessing can happen through words. Other times, it’s through actions or kindness. It might also be simply living in a way that reflects God’s love.
In Isaiah, witnessing is about knowing and sharing the truth of who God is. In Acts, it’s about spreading the good news of Jesus far and wide, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Both teach us that being a witness is a powerful role. It’s about showing others the light you’ve found. It’s about letting them see it through your life.
Witnessing isn’t complicated—it’s just sharing what’s real to you. You can do this through your own experiences. Another way is through the understanding of scripture. Let others know that God is unique, eternal, and here for them too.
May God grant you abundant blessings in the heavenly realm, enriching your soul with every spiritual gift in Christ,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 