The Oasis - April 17, 2024
Author: Rev. Eric Dupee
April 17, 2024
In my sermon this past Sunday, I talked about the concept of witnessing. In an effort to illustrate the importance of witnessing, I told the story of a gentleman who was accused of a crime, arrested and brought into court. The judge asked him if he had a lawyer and he replied: “No, I don’t.” So, the judge said, “I will assign you one.” To which the man replied, “Well, thank you, Your Honor, but what I really need is a good witness.”
In the scripture we read on Sunday (Luke 24), Jesus called his followers witnesses. He opened the minds of his disciples to understand that the Messiah was to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins was to be proclaimed to all nations. Then, Jesus said, “You are witnesses of these things.” What Jesus needed was a good witness.
I’ve been thinking more about the ways each of us might witness to the love of God in our lives or to our commitment to the way of Jesus Christ. It seems to me it’s relatively easy to witness to our faith by doing good deeds and by serving others. I was thinking a church being Open and Affirming is a witness. It says something to people on the outside of the church about the welcome and acceptance anyone can expect on the inside. It says something about the inclusiveness of God’s love.
I encourage you to think about being a witness. What have you seen and heard about the ministry of Jesus or about the grace of God and who in your life needs to know about it? How can you witness to strangers you encounter as you go through your day? Even Jesus needs a good witness.
Blessings,
Eric
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