FOLLOWED THE PRESCRIBED FORMAT OF TESTIMONY

11/22/2022

"As soon as He [Jesus] had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” (Mark 1:42-44)

There are formats to the testimony you ought to give when you receive a miracle and it is of grave importance that you follow the prescribed format. What do I mean by this? Some testimonies require telling, some showing and others giving an offering as an acknowledgement of the miracles you received from God.

In today's theme scripture, the leper was asked to show himself and give an offering to the priest. Specific instruction. However, the Bible records that "...he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction" (Mark 1:45).

In our kingdom, there are generics and specifics. Where a specific instruction is not given by way of a Rhema word, the correct course of action is to respond generically, from the Logos of God. If you get a miracle, the generic response is to tell it. However, you may receive specific instructions to showcase your miracle or give an offering as a testimony. Even though this is typical in cases where the miracle is visually obvious, the standard is to tell of God's wonders. Psalm 96:3 says, "Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples."

Now the Bible says that because that leper told others about his miracle, he hindered Jesus' ability to openly enter the city. I believe there were people Jesus needed to enter the city to meet but He couldn't.

Good enough, many came out to meet the Lord outside the city but the Bible says "Jesus could no longer openly enter the city". If the Lord meant for this outcome, He might not have specified to the leper how to testify about his cleansing.

As we climb higher, understand that telling others is the standardized format for giving testimonies. However, the Spirit may specify that you merely show up with that baby bump, in those work clothes or with the invites to your housewarming without having to say anything. He may also instruct you to give an offering or even specify that you combine telling your testimony with showing and giving.

However, the Lord directs you to testify of what He has done, refusing to testify is not an option. Follow His instructions to the finest detail and watch His fame spread abroad in a manner that most glorifies His wonderful name. Hallelujah!

Faith-Filled Confession

I am attentive to the Spirit with my testimonies, careful to give them in the format He prescribes for me to give them so that His glory spreads to everyone He desires to reach. In Jesus' name. Amen

ONE YEAR READING PLAN: Ezekiel 20-21; James 1