A Prayer for Witnessing
By Chris Eyte
“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” (John 1: 6-9)
What is the difference between true light and false light? I found myself considering this question today. I was standing at the mouth of a small, tranquil river, and I enjoyed the gentle sunlight freckled upon the surface of the slow-paced rapids. Yet the Lord lovingly reminded me that the light on those brown waters was merely an illusion. It was a reflection - not really there.
How do we understand the meaning of ‘true light’ then? We can’t do so by compiling a list of related adjectives. The answer seems undefinable but I think the truth is simply summarized in two words: Know Him. Knowing Jesus means knowing life in all its fullness. Our deep bond with the Lord, made possible because of Calvary, changes everything. His love transforms us and radically alters what we do with our lives.
Many years ago, I went on a short mission trip to help street children in Brazil. It was an eye-opening experience seeing these youngsters in dire situations. One night, some of us accompanied two men on a night journey to locate boys and girls in vulnerable situations and check on their welfare. I have never forgotten the determination of those men to save the children. They had night finder goggles and used them to observe groups of boys and girls at a distance, huddled together around fires lit on the pavement to keep warm. Solvent abuse was evident, and the stench of glue coming from the children was overwhelming, when a few emerged from the shadows to greet us.
It took a lot of bravery to go into those dark neighborhoods on gang territory. But the men had this incredible sense of calm. They were inflexible in their quest to rescue young people. I found it very challenging. The motivation for their mission was simply Jesus. That’s what happens when we understand that he is the ‘true’ light. ‘There was a man/woman sent from God whose name was’ - put your own name in there. We are called to witness to Christ, just as John was. And just as those two Brazilian men were.
I am so glad that the calling in my own life isn’t to do with witnessing about myself. I fail. But I am called instead to witness about Jesus. His love is all-encompassing, durable and never fails. As we enjoy the light of his presence, let’s make room for others to enjoy him too.
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation,” Jesus once told his disciples. That was a command, not a suggestion.
Let’s pray.
God - my Father, my Savior, and Holy Spirit with me, You are the true light, as the Bible proclaims. I am so glad to know you, and it is a privilege to be given the task of making you known to others. Refresh me today as I thank you for the cross and resurrection and for the gift of yourself, which saved me.
Your light thrills me, and I love to dwell with you. When I awake and when I am asleep. When I am busy and when I am quiet. When I am with others and when I am alone. The world is hurting, as you know, dear Lord. Forgive me for being distracted by things that aren’t so important. I say to myself this day - take any opportunity to reach others with Christ’s love. I commit myself again right now to witness about you: the True Light.
Amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Pamela D. McAdams
Christopher Eyte lives with his wife Céline and three children in Swansea, Wales, UK. He has worked as a journalist for many years and writes his own blog (hislovefrees.life) encouraging others in their walk with Jesus. He became a Christian in February 2002, after a friend explained God's amazing grace!
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