Recently I began a deep dive into 1 John. I found myself reflecting on its author, John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ (John 19:26). He grew from a young fisherman, filled with passion, pride, and anger, into a old apostle, filled with passion, humility, and love (Luke 9:54, Mark 10:37, Revelation 1:4-6, 9-10). John remained passionate throughout his life and experienced the transforming power of God within his soul. He lived longer than any of the original twelve disciples and his writing in the New Testament reveals a profound depth of knowing and intimacy with Jesus Christ. John bore witness to the life of Christ for three years and then spent the following 70+ years proclaiming the truth he witnessed.
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” (1 John 1:1-4)
The apostle John validates the historicity of Jesus Christ as he opens this letter for the early church. He bears witness to his firsthand encounter with Jesus. John testifies to being with Jesus, seeing and hearing Him, during His lifetime on earth. And, John declares that fellowship with God, found through Jesus, lays the foundation for the life we live as followers of Jesus.
Witness – A person who sees an event take place; evidence; proof; having knowledge of (an event or change) from personal observation or experience:
John seems to speak directly to the people struggling with the veracity of the Christian faith. He proclaims that he was there – he lived life with Jesus. John saw the miracles of Jesus. With Jesus, John engaged conversations, ate meals, walked dusty paths, watched horrific suffering, and received comfort. As Jesus ascended into the clouds, John saw it with his own eyes, and then a few days later he received the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The life of John points to the reality of the life of Jesus. John bore witness of Jesus in his lifetime and through the words of Scripture passionately shared who Jesus was and the way to live like Him.
Each day we get to bear witness to the stories of others. Through conversations, meals, walks, and work, we see, hear, and live with people. As the unfolding events of life occur, lives overlap. When we speak to the lives we witness, we affirm the breadth of the activity of God. An eyewitness extends presence and perspective into the development of the story of God in life. The loving grace, goodness, and redemption of God erupts as we declare what we observe in others.
Recently a friend and I met for coffee. We don’t meet often, perhaps once every 4-6 weeks, but due to life situations we had not met for several months. Nevertheless, our lives connect — we pick up where we left off from the previous conversation. We bounce back and forth with questions, stories, observations, etc. She reminisced about a time we had met for coffee 19 years ago. She noticed a connection between that time and now. She bore witness to my unfolding story. I felt encouraged as she connected ideas and convictions over the past several years, that I didn’t see clearly. She saw me and the breadth of God’s activity within me. It felt profound. Her witness of my life with God nourished my soul and sparked the way I live.
Do we realize what a gift it is to companion with people day by day, year by year? Who are the people you encounter daily, weekly, monthly, yearly?
The ways our lives cross paths with others offers opportunities to witness growth and transformation in one another. It is a marvelous moment when we pause to take in the story of the person in front of us. Seeing the ups and downs of life is a gift: joys, sorrows, celebrations, convictions, longings. When we offer the gift of bearing witness to the life of someone else, we stimulate their unfolding journey and marvel at the handiwork of God.
Do you share your observations and recount your eyewitness account with your companions? Because you live as a witness to the stories of others, you get to bring reminders of God’s good presence through the interconnectedness within the moments of life.
The apostle John bore witness to the life of Christ and passionately declared the truth of the life and activity of Jesus, You and I also bear witness to the progressing stories of people every day. Notice the breadth of the stories of people in your life. Identify the evidences of God loves and care. Pay attention to individual threads of passion, character formation, and Christ-like reflection over time. Draw out the testimony of the redemption of God as you witness the stories of others.
“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” (Psalm 96:1-4)
This week – – –
Reflect. Invite a family member or friend to coffee or to go on a walk. During the time together share the ways you bear witness to each other’s stories. Reflect together and point out the activity of God. Notice the spiritual journey and transforming power of God. Look for God together and encourage one another to excel still more. Maybe listen to the two songs below together and “look for what the Lord has done.”
Request. Ask God to slow down your pace in order to offer witness to the people in your life. Be careful to be intentional about reflecting on the ways and means of the movement of God in the lives of others. Notice your breath and pray: inhale – Slow me down, O Lord, exhale – To notice Your ways in others. Repeat.
Receive. Let others speak into your life. Welcome feedback from those in your community. Allow the love of God to flow into yourself through the witness of the people in your life. Let yourself be known. You are seen and loved.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 – As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
Acts 1:8 – 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.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Mike Mason. Practicing the Presence of People. New York, NY. 1999.
John Townsend. Where Is GOD?: Finding His Presence, Purpose and Power in Difficult Times. Colorado Springs, CO. 2009.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Jordan Feliz. Witness. Click here to watch & listen.
Terrian. Testimony. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
July 6-10 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary, Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort
July 13-21 – Kigali, Rwanda – Soul Care Retreat and Training
August 3-7 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary, Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort
August 13-17 – Lincoln, CA – Visit my parents and siblings
🙏 If you would like to partner with me through financial giving, click here to give a tax-deductible gift to The Soulcare Anchoress Fund. Thank you! 🌷