Bear Witness
Can you imagine what would have happened to ‘the dream’ had MLK not shared it?
There was a blind man who experienced Christ. According to the Gospel of John, He was healed from a lifetime of blindness and began to walk around with his eyes wide open. Not all welcomed this change, and he was called before his church leaders as they interrogated him regarding the methods of his transformation. His simple and defiant testimony presents a classic formula for us to follow: “One thing I do know: I was blind and now I see!” (John 9:25 NIV).
Later in the story, after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, his followers echoed the example of the man born blind when they defended themselves with the formula: "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20 NIV).
Furthermore, Jesus proclaimed “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” - Acts 1:8 NIV. To the extent that you have showed up in a place of real pain, and allowed yourselves to be changed by the heart of Jesus towards those who walked before you in that space, then you have a story worth telling.
It’s not without risk, to be sure. If you share, then You may risk offending someone you love, or worse. If you share, You may risk comfort at the next large family gathering. If you share your testimony about the pain of racial injustice in America, You may even risk some sources of income or comfort by sharing your testimony. The greatest risk, however, comes if you do not share. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
There was a blind man who experienced Christ. According to the Gospel of John, He was healed from a lifetime of blindness and began to walk around with his eyes wide open. Not all welcomed this change, and he was called before his church leaders as they interrogated him regarding the methods of his transformation. His simple and defiant testimony presents a classic formula for us to follow: “One thing I do know: I was blind and now I see!” (John 9:25 NIV).
Later in the story, after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension, his followers echoed the example of the man born blind when they defended themselves with the formula: "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20 NIV).
Furthermore, Jesus proclaimed “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” - Acts 1:8 NIV. To the extent that you have showed up in a place of real pain, and allowed yourselves to be changed by the heart of Jesus towards those who walked before you in that space, then you have a story worth telling.
It’s not without risk, to be sure. If you share, then You may risk offending someone you love, or worse. If you share, You may risk comfort at the next large family gathering. If you share your testimony about the pain of racial injustice in America, You may even risk some sources of income or comfort by sharing your testimony. The greatest risk, however, comes if you do not share. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
“So do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, and nothing hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” - Matthew 10:26-31 (NIV)
Step By Step
- Before you leave your chosen location, record a short video (less than 1-3 minutes) to state the date, acknowledge the specific place, and introduce yourself (and your group)
- Include in the video at least one thing that impacted you from the experience
- Voice at least one hope or prayer that YOU hold onto as you leave the location
- Pray with your group about how to share your video (to family or friends in a message, on social media, in person to a coworker or neighbor, etc).
- We would love to hear your heart and compile the testimonies that come from this simple challenge: if you decide to share using a social media platform, please include the hashtag #prayonmlksa. You can also send a feedback email to media@wildfire.church.
Lastly, we are thankful to God for your participation in this experience. Our sincere hope remains that the Kingdom of Jesus will be established among those who love him by the power of Holy Spirit. May the grace of our Lord, Jesus the Messiah, be with you.