Sunday, July 18th
Read: Acts 22
Giving testimony is a revolutionary act. In this chapter Paul stood up in front of a mob of people (who, by the way, wanted to stone him) and was completely honest about his life. He shared his past—how he was a devout Jew who studied and practiced the law with zeal. He confessed that he persecuted Christians (enthusiastically), even some to the point of death. Even more than that, he testified about the revolution that Jesus brought to his life. He told the crowd that the Lord himself revealed His will to him and sent him on a mission to preach to not only the Gentiles but to the entire world.
Paul’s words and actions were so disturbing to those in Jerusalem that an actual riot had erupted. Paul knew and understood why the Jewish people were so enraged by what he said and did; he used to be one of them! He requested to speak to the crowd and said in verse 1: “listen to me as I offer my defense.” Usually a statement of defense is given by a defendant to protect him against a plaintiff’s action. Paul would have known very well that the extent of what he was going to testify to would likely give the crowd even more reason to hate him. His testimony would not result in protection and resolution of the mob.
We often know and believe that Jesus’ blood can overcome anything, but do we remember that the work of the enemy can be overcome by our testimony (Rev. 12:11)? Our personal testimony is powerful and effective in overcoming the enemy. Paul lived this out as he fully trusted in the blood of Jesus to work in power in his life. He also didn’t cling to his life so much that he became silent whenever a mob was about to kill him for what he said. He believed that what he lived must be shared to anyone who would listen.
Who has the opportunity to stand up in front of a mob every day? Not many people in the Western world. We do have opportunities in our everyday lives to let the power of Jesus’ blood and the words of our testimony revolutionize the lives of those around us. When we’re in our classrooms, at work, playing sports, out shopping, going to the movies, or walking through our neighborhood we can speak up and tell people what Jesus has been doing in our lives. We won’t always get a warm reception from our listeners. We may even be ridiculed. Sometimes we’ll discover that a timely testimony will be just what our friend or neighbor needed to hear; it could revolutionize their moment, day, or life!
But, will we do it? Will we give up our self-images and reputations to spread the word of God? It’s a challenge, no doubt, but it’s what we’re called to do. We’re called to do something radical, against what the world says to do. Jesus tells us to put him first and spread the gospel. Let’s do it! Act as the fist of God and give the enemy a good jab with the word of your testimony today!
Process:
1. How can you allow Jesus’ blood to overcome the enemy in your life? Ask the Lord what you can overcome today with his help.
2. Have you ever felt like your testimony has little power? Ask the Lord to show you what you can share with others that will impact them for him.
3. In what ways does God want to use you and your testimony to reach out to others? Know that God has the power to change lives and has done a great and redemptive work in the lives of his followers.
CHALLENGE
Make an outline of Paul’s testimony. Highlight or write down the parts that interest you or impact you the most. Discuss the parts you highlighted or wrote down. Why do they stick out to you?