"We write to you about what was from the beginning, what we heard, what we saw with our eyes, what we observed and what our hands touched, namely - about the Word of life; and the Life appeared, and we saw and testify, and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and appeared to us" (First Epistle of John, ch. 1, v. 1-3*)
You are not John. Most likely you have not physically touched Jesus, you have not seen Him standing before you at the table. You were not on the hill on the day when Christ was hung on a cross alongside two other criminals. You have not watched, breath held, as the sky over the cross darkened at noon, as the earth trembled and graves opened. You do not remember that wondrous night when all the disciples stood locked and frightened in the dark room, when suddenly the Teacher appeared before them with the words “Peace I bring to you.”
So why do you believe in Him?
Perhaps you haven't asked yourself this question lately, because you presume you are a "believer" or a "Christian," and as we know, "we live by faith, not by sight." (First Epistle to the Corinthians, ch. 5, v. 7*) Sometimes, however, it is good to revisit those initial, seemingly simple questions that we often underestimate because they seem rhetorical. Yet, when we are pressed to ponder their answers, we may come to great revelations.
The Greek word for “witness” is martys, from which the English word martyr derives, meaning “a martyr.” This is the term for Christians who were killed for their faith from ancient Rome to present times. Witnesses are people who can stand with their lives behind what they know, what they have seen, what they believe wholeheartedly. What is that experience we have as believers in the Lord Jesus, which would give us the strength even to die for Him? What is that story we would tell our children and grandchildren in years to come? Why have millions given their lives and continue to die for their faith in Christ?
If you and we today feel fear and insecurity, hesitate, tossed by the waves of doubt, is it possible that we have forgotten the Story? Our story with Jesus, which is unique and personal to each one of us, is that proof that will keep us above the waves and the storm. Remember everything that He has done for you so far. God does not forget us, let us not forget Him.
*The biblical quotes are according to the text of the Bible, New Translation from the Original Languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013.
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