DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Live to Testify
By Beth Voltmann
Jesus gave them this answer:
“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself;
he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does
the Son also does...
For the works that the Father has given me to finish – the very works that I am doing –
testify that the Father has sent me.
And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me.”
(John 5:19, 36b-37)
Everything that Jesus did was a reflection of God the Father. God not only sent his Son as a sacrifice for our sins but as a forerunner to show us how to walk this life of faith. Our Messiah, fully God but fully man, spent 33 years on earth with his eye fixed on the Father and his ear tuned to his voice. In like manner, as believers, everything we do should reflect Jesus.
I don’t often try to discern “a sacred word” as we ring in the new year, but as 2025 begins, I sense the Lord telling me to “FOLLOW”. Easy to say – harder to do. Jesus promised that it won’t be simple, but he also promised that he would give the words and wisdom needed.
“And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”
(Luke 21:13-15)
As we begin this new year, are we resolved to bear testimony through our words and actions? Just as Jesus steadfastly followed the Father, now is the time for our lives to reflect Jesus – to testify of him to the watching world!
We cannot see into the future and certainly don’t know all that this year will bring, but we know the One who does and can be certain that He is “the way, and the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
Will you join me in a New Year’s resolution to follow Jesus just as He followed the Father? May our lives testify to his unfailing love, mercy, forgiveness, and healing, and may we draw others to his great promise of salvation.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Jesus, thank you for your great sacrifice and loving example of how to live. Holy Spirit, thank you for your continued guidance as I follow Jesus. May my life testify to the Savior.
Day by Day, dear Lord,
Three things I pray;
To see Thee more clearly,
To love Thee more dearly,
To follow Thee more nearly,
day by day.
(Attributed to St. Richard of Chichester)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BETH VOLTMANN
After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.
Beth, I loved to read of your word for 2025...follow. It is much like mine...focus. For years God has gifted me with a special word, one I desperately need to embrace and seek out. As you follow Jesus where He leads you, I will focus on the journey. Blessings on your ministry my friend. You are a blessing.