The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11)
Giving testimony can be considered a daunting task.
Some people find it a bit nerve-wracking to be stood up before others and relate to what they experienced. Some folks find it difficult talking to people in any case, so having to give an account of something that will turn out to have significant consequences for the listeners adds to those nerves.
So it’s interesting that Paul, who has been doing this testifying thing for a while, still gets a word of encouragement from Jesus on the matter. It’s reassuring to know that even the well versed and confident people for testimonies need a word of encouragement.
What’s particularly apt about that word of encouragement, is how important it will be for the plots ahead that will seek to stop Paul from testifying ever again.
There are forces at work today that seeks to stifle people testifying of the risen Saviour. Some play on the nerves of people when it comes to sharing their testimony with others. Some suggest it would be culturally unsuitable to testify. Some play on the context and suggest that it’s not the time or the place. Indeed the only time and place it seems to be acceptable is if it’s among other people who share a similar testimony.
The encouragement we can receive from Jesus is that we do have a testimony to share with others. They may not like it, they may be thrilled by it. Whatever the response, the encouragement is to us to be clear that we should be bold and testify.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 