Witness
I recently attended a memorial service for a friend of my family whom we have known for over five decades. She was a believer and we take great comfort in knowing that she is with the Lord, and we will see her one day soon in heaven. Words that were used to describe her at the service included joyful, indelible, and hospitable. Her pastor (who has also known her from childhood) mentioned that whenever he was in her presence, he always felt loved. That resonated with me too. Her spirit exuded love and a quiet assurance, and whenever I interacted with her, I felt seen and loved. I remember her most for her hospitality. I remember the big white two-story house on Belmont St with large rooms and hardwood floors. I remember attending Christmas gatherings and wedding and baby showers there, with tables full of delicious treats and the house humming with conversation and laughter. Her home was a place where people gathered together to worship and celebrate. I learned during the service that she and her husband hosted foster children over the years and think how blessed those children were to have intersected with their lives as they opened up their home and hearts to people in need.
Several days before I attended her service, during my morning devotions I read Acts 1:8 which says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” Note that the verse doesn’t say, “You shall witness…” it says, “You shall be My witnesses...” In evangelical Christianity, there is a lot of emphasis placed on the act of sharing (witnessing) the gospel message with others, and it is important to be sure, but I believe it is equally important to remember that for those of us who believe and place our faith in Christ alone, it is equally important to be a witness for Christ. Witnessing isn’t just something that we do, it is a part of our identity in Christ. He calls, equips, and empowers us by the Holy Spirit to live a life that reflects Him and His message of salvation. It starts in our heart at the point of salvation and then begins to journey outward from there, from our homes, into our communities, and finally into the world, wherever He leads us.
People who attend a memorial service for a believer listen to the story of that person’s life, as told by those who knew him or her best. The stories shared are eye-witness accounts to the truth of how God changed them. While this type of life event is laden with grief, it can be a beautifully moving experience for all who attend. We ponder the life of the deceased. We ponder our own mortality. We ponder the future. The sadness is soothed with the knowledge of hope and a reconnection in eternity. The stories we sit and listen to are in essence the witness of this loved one’s life. We hear about who this beautiful soul was, and how he or she blessed others and ultimately brought glory to the Lord.
I would venture to say that at some point, we have all wondered what people would say about us and the life we lived after we’re gone. That is our witness – the story of how He transformed our character, how He helped us through times of trouble, and how He used us and the life we lived to accomplish His purposes and for His glory. No two people are the same, therefore no two stories are the same. Even in death, the story of someone’s life can have a profound influence and effect on others. This is why the gospel message is often shared at a memorial service. It is the most important news someone needs to hear and receive.
My friend Doris knew Jesus. She was described as joyful because she walked with the Lord. She learned to abide in His love, and His joy was made full in her life. Her heart and home were always open and welcoming. She received people and served them in love. She let her light shine in such a way that brought glory to the Lord. She truly was a beautiful witness for Jesus Christ, and I am inspired to be the same.
