FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
THE WAY FORWARD IN CHRIST
(Part 203)
WITNESSES OF JESUS – 11
April 15, 2021
Today’s readings:
Acts 5:27-33
Psalm 34:2,9,17-20
John 3:31-36
Here is the reality: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” (Jn 3:36). This is the importance of faith in Jesus. It is a double-edged sword. If one disobeys (and so does not live his faith in) Jesus, he will not see life. If one has faith (and thus obeys) Jesus, he has eternal life. Faith in Jesus is the key to salvation.
This is the importance of witnesses to Jesus, of evangelizers, of those who share Christ. “For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.” (Jn 3:34a). This was Jesus himself. These are also those whom Jesus sends to continue with his work. And what do witnesses proclaim? Jesus, his life, his words, his works. “We are witnesses of these things” (Acts 5:32a).
When we proclaim Christ, there will be opposition, and even persecution. This was the experience of the apostles, to whom the religious authorities at that time gave “strict orders to stop teaching in that name.” (Acts 5:28a). Today many forces want to shut down the preaching of the authentic gospel.
- There are those who say all religions are willed by God and are means to the divine, thus no longer necessitating the preaching of the gospel of salvation in Jesus.
- Laws are being passed against “hate speech,” which is actually speaking the truth about abortion or LGBT.
- There are those who denigrate proselytism, which is the work of making converts, which is the very commission Jesus gave to his followers, to make disciples of all nations.
- There are those who focus on social justice issues, including contentious subjects such as immigration and climate change, rather than preaching the righteousness of God and making a clear stand against immoral actions.
In the face of such opposition, how should witnesses act? Just as Peter and the apostles did, who said, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29). And even to persecutors, even just given very little time, witnesses can find the opportunity to proclaim the gospel. This is what Peter did, talking to the religious authorities about Jesus, what happened to him, how he is the savior, how people are called to repentance (Acts 5:30-31).
How are we able to do this, especially in the face of rabid opposition? Our confidence is in the God who sends us. We know that if Jesus sends us, then Jesus equips and protects us.
- We have the Holy Spirit as our companion and guide, “the holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:32b). As long as we continue to obey God and do His will, the Spirit is with us.
- As God’s holy warrior, we are protected and thus blessed by Him. “Blessed is the stalwart one who takes refuge in him.” (Ps 34:9b).
- God Himself is in this fight, as He sends His witnesses to fight evil in the world. “The Lord’s face is against evildoers to wipe out their memory from the earth.” (Ps 34:17).
- We can always turn to God to help us out, especially in our afflictions, and we are assured that God will help. “The righteous cry out, the Lord hears and he rescues them from all their afflictions.” (Ps 34:18).
- As there will be defeats, trials, sorrows, suffering and pain, we can always turn to God for comfort and sustenance. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.” (Ps 34:19). Jesus particularly has gone through intense suffering and pain. He empathizes with us in our sorrows. He it is who will soothe our pains, restore us, and strengthen us to go on.
- We can always turn our challenges and troubles over into God’s hands. “Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Ps 34:20). Jesus our Savior is our deliverer.
To witness to Jesus is a great challenge. Many will not accept the gospel. “He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.” (Jn 3:32). And today there are those who want to silence Christians, especially witnesses, to the point of assaulting, imprisoning or even killing them. “When they heard this, they became infuriated and wanted to put them to death.” (Acts 5:33). Despite this, a witness continues and perseveres with his divine work. He freely shares the gospel in the boldness and endurance afforded by the Spirit. “He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.” (Jn 3:34b).
May it be said of witnesses: “you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching” (Acts 5:28b). And not just Jerusalem, but the very ends of the earth.