Power in our testimonies
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Faith Fitness
Bro. Sam Kaufman
Those who know the Lord have a testimony – or a personal account – of how God did a tremendous work of salvation in their lives.
There is power in that testimony. It can be professed by the one possessing it and also observed by those around the person. A noticeable change in the person is very evident.
The wee little man Zacchaeus is one prime example of someone undergoing major change through Jesus. Zacchaeus was definitely not the same man after his encounter with the Lord.
The biblical account begins with Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus walking among the crowd.
Jesus approached the tree and called Zacchaeus by name. He told Zacchaeus He had to eat with him that day.
Zacchaeus was a Jew who collected taxes from his people for the Roman government. He also admittedly took above what was required. The Jews despised him.
Jesus loved him. Zacchaeus accepted forgiveness of sin offered through Jesus.
It was a true salvation experience that changed Zacchaeus, as evidenced through his actions. He was a different man. His actions after being saved were noticed by many. It wasn’t the same old Zacchaeus any longer.
His affections switched from monetary gain to allegiance to God. Zacchaeus’ heart also changed toward humanity.
The man who was known to take more than what was required at the expense of the poor, suddenly wanted to right his wrongs. Money no longer held his heart.
Luke 19:8 states, “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”
The people likely wondered what had gotten into Zacchaeus. But it wasn’t what got into him, but who got into him. He now had God in his heart.
Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus’ behavioral transformation is found in the next verse.
“And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9)
What a great testimony of God’s delivering power. Zacchaeus was a new creature in Christ.
The man who was filled with the devil and abode among the tombs was no challenge for Jesus.
No man could bind him – until Jesus came along. The man walked around the graveyard naked and cut himself with stones. His name was Legion because he was jam packed with unclean spirits.
Jesus cast the demons out of the man, allowing them their desire to enter into the nearby swine.
The people who came and observed the change that had occurred in the man were basically flabbergasted. They couldn’t process it or wrap their minds around it.
“Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.” (Luke 8:35)
The man wanted to travel with Jesus, but the Lord had other plans for him. Jesus told him to “return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.”
The man did just as Jesus had commanded him. His testimony of being delivered from the devil and now finding liberty in the Lord made an impact on those who saw him.
“…And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.”
It is said that a great revival broke out because of the man’s wonderful testimony.
I used to work at a newspaper in Montana. The editor there was literally a professing witch. There were times I would try to share Bible verses with her, but, let me tell you, she was not having any of it.
Then I prayed to God about how I could somehow minister to her. The answer was sharing testimonies of what God had done in my life.
It worked. Rather than her becoming agitated – like in times past – she was now intrigued.
God found a way for me to reach her, and it started with letting her know the marvelous acts that Jesus performed in my life.