Eyewitness Account!

The eyewitness to these things has presented an accurate report. He saw it himself and is telling the truth so that, you also, will believe. John 19:35

On one of the beautiful days last week, Randy, Rocco and I decided to take a ride over to the Avalon, walk around and have lunch outside. I went in the restaurant to order and left Randy and our dog, Rocco, sitting at a table outside. When I came back, I found Randy kneeling on the sidewalk by a little lady and another woman hovering over them. The little lady had tripped on the sidewalk and face planted on the concrete. Randy had run to get her up and see if she was hurt, and they were still making sure nothing was broken when I arrived.

In the ensuing moments staff arrived, the lady was helped inside, and the waitress called security. When they arrived, they needed someone to give an eyewitness account of the accident.

The security guards asked us, “Were you there? Did you see the whole thing?” We explained that I wasn’t there, but Randy was. He filled out a report and left his name and phone number in case he was needed. They remarked on how important it is for them to have an eyewitness account when accidents happen or situations arise.

In a court of law, there are things which are crucial testimony. One is a picture of the event, but the most powerful thing is one or two eyewitnesses who saw the same thing. Almost nothing can defeat the testimony of eyewitnesses.

I began to think of the people who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus and what their eyewitness account would say? How can you even describe in words the agony of that day? The Gospel of John is the only one that describes the events of the day both great and small because he was the only disciple present. His was an eyewitness account. He alone tells of the attempt to change the title on the cross, the tender entrusting of the Virgin to his care, and the two phrases, “I Thirst” and “It Is Finished”. John gives details such as the position of Jesus between the two robbers, and the jar of vinegar standing by the crosses.

Early Christians all lived to give witness or eyewitness accounts of Jesus because their main focus was to build the kingdom. They were anxious to spread His gospel. What a difference in Christians of today! Paul Harvey said that we are no longer fishers of men, but rather keepers of an empty fish tank. He goes on to say that we want to take care of the fish already in the tank, but we don’t feel the need to go out and catch more!!

It seems to come down to one basic question, “Is Jesus dead or alive to us?” If he is alive to us, then we should be eager to give others an eyewitness account of what He is doing and has done! If He is alive, then we should act like it!

There is a huge difference in doing what we are called to do and doing what we choose to do. There is also a great chasm between what early Christians did and what we are not doing today. We are all called to be witnesses to what the Lord has done for us. Jesus gave that command when he said, “Therefore go and make disciples in all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. I will be with you always even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Today is a great day to be a an eye witness for Jesus.

Were you there when they crucified My Lord, Where you there when they crucified My Lord? Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble. Were you there when they crucified My Lord? William Eleazar Barton