witness stand
"This stone shall be our witness." —Joshua 24:27
One of the most important words in the Bible is "witness." Joshua said to the people: "You are your own witnesses that you have chosen to serve the Lord" (Jos 24:22). Joshua even set up a large stone as a witness. We have the custom of attaching little stones to rings, putting these rings and stones on our fingers, and using them as witnesses to our marriage vows.
Isaiah prophesied that we are called to be God's witnesses (Is 43:10). Shortly before His ascension, Jesus commanded: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you; then you are to be My witnesses" (Acts 1:8). We are to be witnesses for Jesus right where we are and then even to the ends of the earth.
Are you a witness for Jesus? When was the last time you took the witness stand at home, work, school, or church? Don't be ashamed of the gospel (Rm 1:16). Acknowledge Jesus publicly (Mt 10:32). Don't give Jesus the "silent treatment," but openly, boldly, freely, and courageously speak of your love for Him. Try to never let a day pass without witnessing to someone about Jesus.
Prayer: Jesus, stir into flame the grace of my Confirmation so I will witness for You (2 Tm 1:6).
Promise: " 'Let the children come to Me. Do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' And He laid His hands on their heads." —Mt 19:14-15
Praise: Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus reconciled with each other after bitter doctrinal differences and died together in martyrdom.
Reference: (To witness to Jesus daily, read the Bible daily. For encouragement, order any or all of these audio or video tapes: Ignorance of Scriptures is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1, V-82, How to Pray the Bible on audio AV 82-3 or on video V-82, How to Read the Bible on audio AV 46-3 or on video V-46, Principles of Bible Interpretation, audio AV 79-1, video V-79, Biblical Counseling, audio AV 13A-1, AV 13A-3, AV 13B-1 or on video starting with V-13A.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011
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