The Words of Our Testimony

The Words of Our Testimony:

Revelation 12:11

"And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
for they loved not their lives even unto death." (English Standard Version)

         I went to court early on a Monday morning. I had just gotten out of work at 6am and I was scheduled to be at court at 9am. Needless to say, I was exhausted when it was finally my turn to offer testimony at noon. It just happened to be one of those days that the court had an especially large docket. I was given opportunity to share my viewpoint about my part in an accident and after that a youth shared his side. It was decided by the judge that I was in the wrong and therefore after that I paid the ticket. I was awakened to the reality that all of us are on trial. What is it that makes a person innocent or guilty in the grander scheme of things?

         The word for witness/testimony in Greek translates as martyr in English which infers that with every testimony there is a certain amount of risk. Testifying is not for the faint of heart. It might cost you your life and affect those who are a part of one's support network. We are in the midst of all manner of trials as long as we are in the world, now what?

         The scripture that I have cited above speaks about a victory that can be experienced by all the saints. In the midst of evil influences and seemingly impossible odds, the testimony of the saints wins the day. ..."for they loved not their lives even unto death." The emphasis is on the victory that takes place because of willingness to shed blood on behalf of another.

         From a historical perspective, this scripture speaks to the circumstances Christians were experiencing in Rome. Most recently, the Roman leadership have exiled the apostle John. They want others to know that Christianity with its claim of virgin birth is to be ostracized.. The cross will die out as quickly as it came to life according to Rome. People like John and his followers need to be put in there place! It is out of this historical perspective I speak.

         The effectual nature of the blood is a near constant scriptural theme. In the Old Testament the Passover is the pivotal event. God hears the cry of his people. Lamb's blood is painted over doors of their households with hyssop and they are spared the plague that will kill the first born of everyone in Egypt. On the cross the same hyssop is used to offer drink to our dying Lord Jesus. Because of the shed blood of Jesus (the Lamb of God) we are no longer in bondage to sin or suffering. The blood of Jesus was shed in opposition to all things and persons that might seek to rip us apart from God. We are justified by FAITH in this same Jesus who would shed blood for us. The "Word" of our testimony was embodied in God's offering of Christ who came in the flesh and dwelt amongst. Because of this, we have confidence as we approach the throne of grace or any other trial that comes our way. Jesus Christ died for us! Jesus is our Blessed Hope!
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