See It, Tell It!

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4

“We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
    and the wonders that he has done.

“He established a testimony in Jacob
    and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
    to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
    the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
    so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
    but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers,
    a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
    whose spirit was not faithful to God.” Psalm 78:4-8

“One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4

“Tell your children of it,
    and let your children tell their children,
    and their children to another generation.” Joel 1:3

“Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.” Luke 7:22

“We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

Dr. Luke was an astute observer and careful investigator eager to record an account of Jesus. Having interviewed many and accompanied Paul on several missions to early churches, he was methodical and strategic in compiling an accurate description of His life, from the angels’ visitations to announce His birth to His death, resurrection, and ascension. His purpose? To minister the word in order to bring certainty about Jesus.

A life rich with experiences with God is one that overflows. The more we see and hear, and the more we desire to pass along. When we intimately know the Lord, we want others to know Him too and to carry the certainty of His presence through their days.

What have we eyewitnessed of Jesus’s powerful hand to convict, transform, and redeem in our lives and others? Where have we beheld His glory displayed in creation, a changed facet of our nature, another’s countenance, an answer to prayer, a particular enlightenment? What instruction, wisdom, warning, or promise has He spoken in a personal way? How tuned in are we to the magnificent workings of God and the personal power of His word?

Having observed and been affected by these things, how are we communicating them? With whom do we regularly share the delights and insights of our Lord? Do we keep silent, intimidated or nervous about what someone might think? Or will we boldly tell of our Lord so others might wonder, and taste and see that He is good? Even if criticized, questioned, or ostracized, are we willing to minister? (Psalm 34:8; Luke 1:26-55,64-66)

Lord, keep me alert to watching and listening, and courageous to speak of Your marvelous deeds, so You are known and praised.