take the witness stand
"They called them back and made it clear that under no circumstances were they to speak the name of Jesus." —Acts 4:18
Jesus is risen, and we are His witnesses (see Acts 1:8; 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 10:41; 13:31). Satan could not keep Jesus from rising from the dead, but he can try to keep us from being witnesses for the risen Christ. However, we should never stop "speaking of what we have heard and seen" (Acts 4:20) from the risen Christ, no matter how much we may have to suffer. The risen Jesus Himself will back us up by reprimanding those who do not believe our witness (Mk 16:14). He will also send the Holy Spirit to put the words in our mouths so we can witness (Lk 12:12). The Spirit will likewise convict of sin those who disbelieve our witness (Jn 16:8). Therefore, witnessing is one of the most powerful ways of communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Acts 1:8). When we witness to our faith in Jesus, we share the faith and grow in it ourselves. Witnessing glorifies the risen Jesus, builds the kingdom of God, and accelerates our growth in holiness. Witnessing for the risen Christ changes the culture of death into a civilization of life and love. Therefore, Satan, "the prince of death" (Heb 2:14), hates witnessing, for he is especially defeated by our witnessing (see Rv 12:11).
Love God; defy the devil; be a witness for the risen Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I witness for Jesus right where I am, and then to my neighbors and co-workers, and then to cities and countries (see Acts 1:8).
Promise: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation." —Mk 16:15
Praise: Praise Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life"! (Jn 11:25) "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). Alleluia!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998