I will never forget witnessing my first University of Michigan game. My brother and I had gotten tickets from a friend of ours and the best part was they were free tickets. We did the whole game day experience–got there early, walked around campus for a little bit, got into the stadium early, walked around The Big House to see it for the first time. Then, the game began. It was electric. Our seats were right next to the student section and it was loud. I lost my voice from cheering so loud. But, I will never forget my first game there. It was such an amazing day and one that has marked me.
When we witness different things it is a personal experience. When something is personal to us, it is ingrained into our beings. We have a way of holding onto these experiences because they mean so much to us and have impacted us powerfully.
I have started to ask the question, what does my witness look like for Jesus? Do I share my experience with those around me? Jesus has powerfully impacted my life, but do I do all that I can to share with those around me what Jesus has done?
In the book of Acts, Jesus informs the remaining 11 disciples (that Judas guy…) that, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere–in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NLT).
Jesus doesn’t say it’s optional, but matter of factly states this is what will happen. You will be my witnesses.
At times, I wonder if we have lost our witness and our need to be witnesses. If so, how do we, once again, witness?
I am inviting you to join us in March as we look at what it means to witness.
