Reflections On The Gospel Of John Esimerkki

THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM With the number of high-profile crimes occurring in the United States, witnesses are often called upon to testify in the cases that ensue. As result, witness protection is offered to those willing to testify. Many individuals have witnessed horrific crimes and/or injustices, and now have evidence to put away the perpetrator. These witnesses are often kept in a safe place until afforded the opportunity to present their evidence and testimony before a court of law. As a result, the entire lives of these individuals undergo a radical transformation. Not only are these witnesses relocated to undisclosed locations, but many times they are also forbidden to have any contact or communication with those from their former life including family and loved ones to ensure their safety. And to top it off, they are often given new names and identities until the perpetrator can be caught and brought to justice. Similarly, in our Christian walk of faith, our enemy the devil does not want us to testify of the Good News of the Gospel or of the goodness of our loving and faithful God. He attempts to do everything within his power to keep us silent, because he knows that once we start “spilling the beans” or declaring truth, salvation will begin to spread like a wildfire. This is why he attempts to keep us bound and entangled in our former lifestyles and so focused on self that we don’t move forward with our testimonies and declarations of God’s goodness and favor. But there is no need to fret because we have a remedy. Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we undergo a radical transformation of our own as we place our complete faith and trust in Him (2CO.5.17)! And at this point we receive both a new nature and a new name; and the former things of our past lifestyles no longer matter because we effectively become witnesses for God through Christ. As His witnesses, God provides us with His covering and protection by way of our advocate, comforter and protector—the Holy Spirit—-who empowers us to declare God’s Word (Acts 1:8). When truth takes the stand, no one can say anything against it. So, speak the truth and don’t worry because you’re in the Witness Protection Program; go ahead, it’s time to testify!