John 5:36-38
“But the witness that really confirms me far exceeds John’s witness. It’s the work the Father gave me to complete. These very tasks, as I go about completing them, confirm that the Father, in fact, sent me. The Father who sent me, confirmed me. And you missed it. You never heard his voice, you never saw his appearance. There is nothing left in your memory of his Message because you do not take his Messenger seriously.”
“ But I have a greater witness than John– my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me– the one he sent to you.”
To the illiterate, pre-scientific, steeped in mystery, first century peasants, Christ’s miracles shouted God’s validation of his ministry. Those who were looking for spiritual food pricked up their ears when listening to gossip at the well about this new itinerant preacher. The Spirit eventually leads to himself those willing to pay any price for truth.
God confirms us too when we go about his work by his power. His work is to share truth. Faith, hope and love, truth’s fruit, gets the world’s attention. Evangelism begins with the changes the walk of faith makes in our lives. If we truly care for the lost, we must focus on our own hearts first. Just don’t get stuck there.
Lord, keep me from getting stuck. Keep my focus always on what you are doing, participating with you in your work. Give me opportunity to share the reason for the joy you give me and the words and wisdom to do it. May my sharing be clearly understood, relaxed and ever obedient to and empowered by your spirit.