Today, I received a notification from Google asking me to write a review for places I had visited. In the modern world, reviews are both valuable to businesses and to customers. Reviews help new customers make an informed decision on a product or service, and it also helps businesses to understand what their customers think of them and their services.
In the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, they didn’t have computers or Google, but the same principle of sharing the good news of God’s grace and love applied.
In the Gospel of Mark, we are told of how Jesus set a demon-possessed man free. We don’t know the background of the story that led to him being demon-possessed, but he was clearly tormented both physically and mentally (Mark 5:1-5). After Jesus commanded the demonic spirits to come out of him and he was freed from their control, the passage said that the man was now “sitting there, clothed and in his right mind…”. Instead of celebrating this great miracle, the people of the Gerasenes were gripped with fear and rather begged Jesus to leave. We can only imagine the lives that would have been transformed in the region if they welcomed Jesus.
The story ends with Jesus making his way back to the boat, and the demon-possessed man who was now free, begging to follow him. But Jesus said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19).
This command of Jesus is still what He calls us to do. Although the people of the Gerasenes rejected Jesus because they were afraid and unfamiliar with his ways, they may well be more open to hearing the testimony of the man they know.
Similarly, a lot of our friends and family members may not know Jesus or may not have encountered his mercy and love; and as believers, we are called to share our testimony of God’s goodness, his favour and mercy to them. Sharing our testimony could be like writing a review of God’s Kingdom and the saving grace of the Son of God.
As you share your testimony, the knowledge and the glory of God will be made known to them. Who knows, the Lord may use your testimony to save and transform a life.
Be encouraged and be ready to share your faith.
“…in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15
Blessings,
Chris Eke
