He himself was not the light…

John 1:8

He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. John 1:8 (NIV)

This verse adds clarity that John is indeed not the Light (Jesus).

It also reinforces that John came only to witness to the Light (Jesus).

As I read this, I am reminded, firmly and effectively, that I am not Jesus. I cannot heal people. I cannot forgive sins. I cannot die as an atonement. I am just a man like John.

I can, however, like John, testify to the Light.

I can tell others what my life was like before, during and after Christ entered my life. I can make adjustments to the story to reach any audience.

So why is so important to have a testimony?

There are a couple of reasons. First, your story is important to reach your friends and family with the gospel of Jesus Christ. You are unique. You have a unique mission field. Only you can reach certain people. Your unique story will help you in your efforts.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

“Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death…” — Revelation 12:10-11

Revelation 12:10-11 reminds us that we are at war with a great Accuser. He (satan) accuses us day and night. Our best defense is our testimony! Satan has no power over the truth. If Christ is truly part of your life, your story will stand on its own.

My testimony also reminds me of where I came from and gives me hope to where I am going. It brings to mind the many times I have fallen and God has helped me back up! He is faithful to me even when I am not faithful to Him.

John was not the Christ. He was a witness.

I am not Christ. I, too, am a witness.

He is always there.

How refreshing!