Tuesday 27 December 2011

Background

Today is the feast day of John, Apostle and Evangelist.Traditionally he is associated with the Gospel and letters givenhis name in the Bible, and less convincingly with the book ofRevelation.

The opening verses of today's passage are taken to allude to thefact that the author had actually been with Jesus during hisearthly life. The experience of having been with Jesus and theeternal life which was revealed to John compels him to bear witnessto these things - that others might share in them and his joy maybe complete.

And at the heart of his message lies forgiveness. 'All have fallenshort' (Romans 3:23) - this is taken as read - but themessage he is compelled to share is that all can be forgiven,cleansed and healed.

Many of us might resist the idea that we are 'evangelists' - but ifwe call ourselves Christian we are at least 'witnesses' tosomething. Of course in the literal sense we haven't "heard", "seenwith our eyes" or "touched with our hands" but some revelation hasconvinced us that this Jesus is worth following. The Christiancalling is to bear witness to this revelation in the way we liveour lives and in the things we have to say.

For John, Apostle and evangelist, the revelation was so vivid andvital that he was under a compulsion to bear witness to it. Suchintensity is hard to sustain but it is aided by our willingness tonurture our relationship with God, and to open ourselves to God'srevelation. Then, what we will bear witness to is something we haveheard, seen and touched in a way that is living and meaningful,albeit in a metaphorical way.

To Ponder

What have you "heard", "seen" or "touched" thathas revealed God to you?

What experiences have you had (in any sphere)that have compelled you to share them with others?

John places forgiveness at the heart of histestimony. What would lie at the heart of your testimony about God,when you are given opportunity to share it?