In John 5:32 Jesus said: “There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.”
In yesterday’s devotional I said that the key to weathering a storm is who you’re weathering it with. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is a healthy support system—and that is certainly important.
However, it’s ultimately about being with Jesus. But that raises a question. How do we spend time with him when he’s not physically here?
In John 5 several “witnesses” are named. They confirm who Jesus is and what he has come to do. They are John the Baptist (verse 35), the works Jesus has done (verse 36), our heavenly Father (verse 37), and the Scriptures (verse 39).
Just as they gave people confidence in Christ then, they can serve as a kind of guide to our own walk with Jesus now.
Just as John the Baptist encouraged others to look to Jesus, so can other godly people in our lives help us in a similar way today. Just as Jesus’ works gave additional weight to his words, so can our servanthood and good deeds give weight to our discipleship. Just as our heavenly Father nurtured people in faith back then, so can he nurture our faith today. And just as the Scriptures taught people about God’s will and way, they can serve that same purpose for us in the here and now.
In short, we can experience a closer walk with Jesus when we are proactive about (a) being in fellowship with other believers, (b) serving others and doing good deeds, (c) trusting our heavenly Father, and (d) learning the Scriptures.
This isn’t a comprehensive list. But it’s a great guide.
Perhaps you’re already doing well. Perhaps there’s a door you’ve yet to open. Perhaps you’ve been going through the motions and need to ask yourself whether you really mean it.
The key to weathering a storm is who you’re weathering it with.
The phrase “walking with Jesus” presupposes motion and deliberate action.
Notes:
—Bible study podcast. “Calling all witnesses: Prophecy, history and time bow to Jesus.” May 22, 2022. Click here to listen, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts: Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.
The Up Devotional 