Growing as Witnesses

MEMORY VERSE: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” —Romans 1:16

MATTHEW 5:13-16; ACTS 4:13-16; 8:4-8,26-40; I PETER 3:13-16

THERE is no shame among the Lord’s people to proclaim the glad tidings of the kingdom, which we believe is so near at hand. Indeed, the very word Gospel means good news; and is it not a message of hope and salvation for the whole world of mankind which the apostle held out?

To tell the wonderful message of the kingdom is to witness to it, whether that be in private conversation, in group meetings where the truth is openly discussed, or perhaps by cooperating in some way to sponsor a general witness endeavor. In such activity both the teller and the hearer receive a blessing.

The word witness translates the Greek word “martus” and signifies one who testifies to the truth. It is interesting to note that the English word martyr comes from this same word, suggesting that those who so testify to the message of glad tidings have often done so at the expense of their lives. Surely this was true during the long centuries of the Dark Ages when, in the western world, papacy was in control of men’s minds.

Yes, it has been true ever since Stephen, the first witness to die at the hands of his accusers, attempted to present and defend the message which so gladdened his heart.

Having made a consecration to do the will of the Lord and to lay down their lives in sacrifice, all of the Lord’s people may expect persecution and opposition in proclaiming the truth. Although we are looking and hoping for the blessings of the future kingdom as glorious spiritual beings, if found faithful unto death, we should not overlook the terms and conditions upon which we are to attain to that high reward. We are to sacrifice what little we have—our little all.

Some of the background material for this week’s lesson indicates that the Lord’s people are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. (Matt. 5:13,14) Salt, of course, plays an important role in food preparation even today, but it was of greater importance in Bible times.

Research along this line shows that the Jews honored a particular custom known as the “covenant of salt” whereby no one would eat a meal at the table of anyone he was intending to injure, realizing that the food had been seasoned with salt, and that he would, therefore, be breaking the covenant. On the other hand, if a person was successful in having one of his enemies eat at his table and partake of food that had been seasoned with salt he would thereby accept the token as a pledge of lasting friendship.

The lesson for the Lord’s people seems to be one of preservation; and as we consider the influence that the people of God have had down through the centuries, we must acknowledge that it was a witness to those who knew them, although the extent of that influence is admittedly small.

And, as lights, the consecrated followers of Jesus have touched the lives of those about them with gladness and hope in a darkened world. The influence of the truth, and of those who are privileged to bear it, has been a shining ray in a world that would otherwise be in total darkness. Without this light, sin and corruption would doubtless have led to an even greater degree of degradation among the poor groaning creation, who are, nevertheless, waiting for the manifestation of the great Sun of Righteousness who will arise with healing in his wings.

What a glorious prospect, to realize that the little witness work that may be accomplished at the present time will give way to the blessed times of restitution that are so near! May it inspire us to press along day by day as witnesses to that marvelous kingdom of the future, by letting our light shine as we have opportunity. “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick. … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”—Matt. 5:15,16

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