[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h1″]Witness by our Withness[/x_custom_headline]
“He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.” John 1:8
John the Baptizer came as a witness. His role was to point to Jesus; to reflect the light; to prepare the way of the Lord. He fulfilled Isaiah’s Prophecy (Is 40:3). And he did it by being a witness. Witnesses share their eyesight with others. They provide first hand accounts of what is happening. Witnesses called to the stand at a trial are there to share the story of what their eyes saw on the night in question.
You and I are witnesses. Each of us has a front row seat to what God is up to in our lives. Of course, often time it is difficult for us to see God’s work because we are too close and too invested. But we are called to open our eyes, look for God’s work, and share the story of this work. We are called to be witnesses.
One problem in our world today is how polarized we have become. Our culture continuously divides into us and them (us vs. them). Seeking common ground is a forgotten art form. And yet, as followers of Jesus we are called to this task. We are called to look for ways to connect. We seek ways that we are united. This is a defining characteristic of our Messiah–Emmanuel–God with us. Jesus, the Incarnate One, came to be with us. Shaped by our Lord–perhaps our posture towards others ought to be one of ‘with’ as well.
[x_blockquote type=”left”]Will you be a Withness?[/x_blockquote]
A withness is someone who stands with others. Withnesses recognize that being a witness is about relationships and relationships are messy. This, after all, is the story of Christ. He was not afraid of our messiness when he stooped down from heaven to take human form. He did not run out when our sin splattered onto his blamelessness. And, he continues to be unwavering from our messiness today. He stands with you. Will you be a Withness as well?
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