June 20 – Friday Very hot (92 – feels like 100)
Today's title has a special meaning for the Bailey's given the Word that was preached by Isaiah. You will understand as you read on…
Our family has been rising between 6:30am and 7:30am. Sounds early but when you are in a motorhome, I am finding you mostly go to bed early and rise early. It was Isaiah's turn to share the Word of God. I blogged, he studied, the rest of the family ate breakfast. We gathered around our altar, the table, and Ethan prayed (No worship this morning, have to catch a 9:00am shuttle). So my almost 14 year-old began to share. He started out by telling us, since we are going into New Orleans today and there will be a need to witness, that he wanted to share on this. He started in Math 24:14. The bible says "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come". My son Ethan asked if this meant that the tribulation would not come until the whole world heard the gospel? Wow! Out of the mouths of babes. First of all a great scripture I have not read in a while. Secondly, a great question from Ethan. I'll let you'al (Southern talk) think about that.
Isaiah said that we are doing the Lords will in spreading the gospel to the unbeliever and that Christ will return after it is spread throughout the world. He also stated that not all men will be saved when this happens. I say Amen brother.
He then turned to John 1:7. The bible states that "This man came for a witness to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe". Isaiah then began to explain that John is an example of a witness for Christ. Witnesses must be sent from God. Witness must bear witness to the light who is Christ. He emphasized that we are to be a witness of Christ's witness as the light of this world through his death on the cross, and the shedding of blood and resurrection to eternal life. No other witness is accepted. He stated that is why all other religions are not accepted by God.
Wow! You ever wonder if your kids are getting it. Allow them to share the Word with you and you will not be disappointed!
He then turned to John 3:11. The bible says "Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak that We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our Witness." Isaiah proclaimed that we are to read the Word and bear withness to it because faith comes by hearing the Word. The unbeliever is hungry but will not understand the witness. They need one like us to teach them.
He then turned to Rev 1:5. The bible says "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood." Isaiah emphasized that Jesus Christ is the faithful witness. When you witness, Jesus is witnessing inside you. Your job is to be a witness like Christ was a witness and the Lord will provide the increase.
Finally he shared from Rev 20:4 – "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. "
Isaiah told us all witnessing is not easy. In fact, we will be persecuted. Maybe even to our demise. He reminded us of the saints of old…the beheadings…the burning at the stakes… Then I reflected in tears. Saints it takes a step of faith to witness for Jesus. It is not easy nor is it in our nature to do so. But are we doing it in a country where the result is death? All the more God will hold us accountable in the day of judgement. I say its worth the ridicule, and the name calling to be a witness, a special witness, an apostle or ambassador for Christ.
Isaiah's Summary – We must be bold to witness and preach Jesus's witness to all people. When this is done to His liking, He will return! Amen!
