Words fall short to describe the riches of God’s glorious grace available to everyone for eternity.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2: 9, that no eye has seen, no ear has heard no human mind has conceived, the things that God has prepared for those who love him.
His mission and service for Christ began with his response to the Lord who appeared to him and appointed him to be his servant and witness. (Acts 26: 16-18). This passage reminds us of the commission and promise of Jesus to his followers, “You shall be my witnesses”. (Acts 1: 8)
We who have responded through repentance and faith are given the awesome privilege and responsibility to communicate the gospel of God’s grace and love to others. We also are his servants and witnesses.
In the biblical context, being a servant of Christ refers to one who humbly, and obediently submits to Christ’s priorities, will, mission, authority, and direction.
Being a witness of Christ is to communicate and live in a way that makes Jesus known. For Paul and for millions of believers today this often requires the Holy Spirit’s enablement, courage, and wisdom in the face of opposition, even at the cost of one’s life.
Paul’s journey was marked with many powerful victories that would make the bestseller’s list today. However, when he became a follower of Christ, he oriented his life in a new direction, and it was costly.
He endured hardship, persecution, a shipwreck, physical suffering, lashings, stoning, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, dangers from robbers, false brethren, and betrayals by people who claimed to be his allies. He was perplexed, persecuted, struck down, imprisoned, he faced riots, and was finally delivered to death.
Through it all, he learned to be content, and he experienced the peace of God that passes all understanding.
Over the centuries, billions of people have come to know Christ through the message brought to them by empowered and faithful witnesses. Many have received the gospel message from bruised and battered believers.
Today, in our increasingly troubled world, our role as faithful servants and witnesses of Christ is vitally important. Like Paul, we know that we can rely on God’s unconditional promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”.
As we serve our Lord in this life, we hold on to his unchangeable promises. He is there to comfort us in our difficulties, guide us in his service, and empower us to be his witnesses.
Let’s remain faithful in prayer and support of those who respond to his call in difficult and often extremely dangerous places. Let’s also ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more labourers into his field.
May all believers take to heart the words that Christ spoke to Paul in Acts 26: 16 and continually grow as fruitful servants and witnesses of his love and grace.
In Revelation 7: 9-10 we are given a glimpse of the immense fruitfulness of Christ’s faithful servants and witnesses over the centuries…
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
Let’s hold on to this vision of God’s great victory as we serve, endure, and do the next thing to reach as many people as possible with the good news of salvation and eternal life.
As we watch the breaking of our fragile world through wars, disasters, and the waywardness of lost humanity, let’s resolve to be witnesses and servants of Christ. So much is on the line for everyone, everywhere, including in our nation.
May God’s grace, peace and strength be with each of us.