Proclaiming Life

In Acts 1:1 it is written “. . . of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” The apostle John, who had been close to Jesus during the years of His ministry, writes in his first letter: “That . . . which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:1-4.

Praise be to God for the grace that has come upon us. We have also heard and seen, and our hands have handled the Word of life in God-fearing brothers and sisters. In such shining examples, we can clearly hear, see and handle the Word of life. The Word of life is the virtues of Christ which can be heard, seen and handled. The virtues of Christ will never pass away, but will be with us into eternity.

Peter writes that we are a holy nation who have been called to proclaim the virtues of Christ. 1 Pet. 2:9. It is when the virtues are manifested in us in the many circumstances of life, that there is true proclamation of the virtues. Otherwise it’s just a lot of dry preaching when we speak about the virtues.

John writes that we “declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” The life they had witnessed in Jesus, they were now able to proclaim with their own lives. The result of such preaching was a glorious fellowship in the light. John wrote this to the friends so that their joy would be full. The virtues build fellowship, but sin tears it down.

When we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and reckon ourselves to be dead to sin but alive to God, then life comes forth in us too. When we do what Jesus preached, and take up our cross daily and deny ourselves, then the life of Jesus is manifested in our lives. This will be a powerful message for those who hear and see us. May we be found faithful so that our lives also become a true proclamation of Christ’s virtues for the benefit of those who hear and see us and who “handle” our lives, not least of all our children, grandchildren and the future generations.

Paul writes that faith comes by hearing. Rom. 10:17. Yes, it is truly faith-strengthening to be one who can experience hearing, seeing and handling such a message.

Finn Risa