Witness Day 7: The Purpose of Our Witness by Tom Wicker

Even now, in fact, my witness is in heaven,
and he that vouches for me is on high.
                                                                       -Job 16:19

When we think of the word “witness”, the first thought that comes to mind is someone who “testifies” in court. Upon reflection – and in the context of our spiritual journey – we might expand that to include our “witness” as Christians to the world at large. But what is the purpose of that “witness”?

Our Scripture reference for today is Job 16:19, “Even now, in fact, my witness is in heaven, and he that vouches for me is on high.” Who is this witness in heaven upon whom Job intends to rely? Some argue that it is the same as the “redeemer” in Job 19:25 – that is, God. So is Job claiming that God is going to testify on Job’s behalf in God’s court? Strange as that may at first seem, it is consistent with the “Good News” we’ve received.

According to John’s Gospel, the Baptist testified to the Light so that all might believe through him (John 1:7) thereby become children of God (John 1:12). Just as that saving grace is the purpose of God’s witness, and of John the Baptist’s witness, and of the witness of those first disciples in the early church, it is the purpose of our witness.

We “testify” (the words “testify” and “witness” have the same root) in order to reflect God’s grace in a world in need of salvation. God became our advocate in order that we might advocate for others in His name, through our daily witness. That is some responsibility!

PRAYER: God, our Redeemer, our heavenly witness that atones for our guilt, enable us to be faithful witnesses to your saving grace that all the world might know you and the gift of eternal life through you. Guide our spirit and mold our conscience by the light of your Word that we may behave “in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God”. We ask these things in your holy name, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: God created us in His image to witness to a world in need of redemption.
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Written by Tom Wicker

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