Commitment to Christ - Witness

:: 26::  Jesus sent these twelve out and commanded them, “As you go, make this announcement: ‘The Kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, and throw out demons.” (Matthew 10:5-8a)

We have been called on a great adventure! We have been called to join in God’s salvific work. How awesome is that? How terrifying is that? You see, we are not spectators, but participants. The task of the witness is to give testimony to that which we have seen and heard. We can only share what we know to be true, what we have experience in our Christian faith. And what we are witnessing to is that God has been at work in our lives and in our world, and we are invited to take part.

Our reading provides us with excellent instruction for the two-fold nature of witness. Jesus’ command encompasses physical and spiritual needs. Jesus does not just say, “Announce the Kingdom.” Nor does he only say, “Heal the sick.” Witnessing to the Kingdom in a faithful manner includes calling people to conversion and new birth, as well as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and protecting the needy.

And here is what is so cool about the God we serve, there is not a single dimension of human existence that the gospel of Jesus Christ leaves untouched!. If you open yourself up to the stories of Scripture and allow Christ's Spirit to work in you, God through you can heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, cast out demons, and give evidence of God’s reign.

My friends, our faith is exciting and daunting because whether you like it or not - YOU have been invited to take part in a grand adventure.

God Almighty, may your reign take hold in my life, so that I might give evidence to your Kingdom. Amen.