The Testimony of Jesus

Revelation 19:10-11

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.

The testimony of Jesus is our receipt of the promises of God, which are in Him yes, and in Him Amen. Through our testimony the Holy Spirit releases instruction, encouragement, and comfort to the saints on earth. We can receive His promises now: health and healing, soul restoration, dominion, continuous and continual blessing. Through the manifestation of these things the heavens are opened to us on earth, and we work the works of Him Who sent us in righteousness. As we do so the Lord Jesus, Faithful and True, will judge and make war on our behalf even now, until such time as the Scripture is fulfilled and He returns to redeem the earth.

See also Scepter of Righteousness

Related Scriptures: 2Corinthians 1:12-24; 1Corinthians 14:1-40; John 6:28-50; Philippians 3:8-15; Micah 4:1-13

Discern Both Good and Evil

Hebrews 5:14

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

In the midst of gross darkness, there is Light from the Lord Jesus. He is the Light of the world in the believer, yet in order to perceive light we must fully receive His Word and bear witness to the Light within us. Maturity in Christ begins by exercising the senses of discernment, and continues as one is increasingly able to perceive the fullness of the Light of Jesus Christ within.

See also The Candle of the LORD

Related Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1-5; John 1:1-18; 1John 2:1-11; Malachi 3:1-18

The Whole Duty of Man

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Character is built one moment at a time. It takes place in the heart and soul, and Jesus Christ is the foundation of all. Faith in God is the beginning of life, and works combined with faith make life come alive.

See also The Word Shall Judge

Related Scriptures: Psalm 66:16-20; 2Timothy 2:14-26; Mark 11:22-26; James 2:14-26; John 10:9-11

They Held Their Peace

Luke 20:26

And they could not take hold of His words before the people: and they marvelled at His answer, and held their peace.

Many have tried since the birth of the Son of man to pick apart His words, and thereby to seize Him in attempts to undermine the truth before the people. Inevitably everyone will stand before God, silent and alone, marveling and in awe at the simplicity of His Truth and the righteousness of His judgment. To those who strive to manipulate His Word, the Word will judge them and grind them to powder, as Jesus Christ passes through their midst untouched. His desire is for mercy to triumph over judgment, but this can only happen after we submit to His Word.

See also Mercy Rejoices Against Judgment

Related Scriptures: Luke 20:1-25; 2Corinthians 5:1-21; Revelation 20:10-15; James 2:1-13

Have the Light of Life

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts seals believers as God’s possession. Christ in us is the gift of God: we are now in possession of the Light of life. God has detailed expectations of how we should make use of His Light, but His central focus in all of this, what wraps up everything He desires, is the manifestation of His Son in our lives. Christ in us, the hope of glory, will be His glory shining through us.

Related Scriptures: Ephesians 1:11-23; Matthew 5:13-20; John 1:1-18; Philippians 3:1-21; Colossians 1:15-29

Cast Out of the Vineyard

Luke 20:14-15

But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

The LORD of the vineyard has promised to cast out of His vineyard that which does not please Him. The Jews that stumbled at the Son of God sealed their own judgment by casting Him out. Yet God has not permanently cast out Israel in this: they have stumbled but not fallen. Instead this was an opportunity for the church to be born, and the Gentiles to receive inheritance from the Son. Let us be faithful husbandmen in the vineyard of the LORD of hosts. His kingdom come.

Related Scriptures: Hebrews 13:11-15; Romans 11:1-36; John 12:37-50

The LORD of the Vineyard

Luke 20:13

Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit took counsel in the ageless past of predawn creation. Before the foundation of the world, the LORD of the vineyard declared His decree to His beloved Son: You will be the Lamb slain for the sins of rebellious mankind. The kingdom of God and of His Christ were clearly foreshadowed by God, throughout the holy Scriptures, and also at Jesus’ baptism in the Holy Spirit and at His transfiguration. All of this to patiently and eternally carry out His original purpose for mankind: Adam made from the dust of the created world in His image. Reverence the LORD of the vineyard!

Related Scriptures: Ephesians 1:3-14; Matthew 13:34-43; Mark 1:9-13; Mark 9:1-10; Genesis 1:26-28; Revelation 12:10-11