See - Testify

We have two sets of eyes--natural and spiritual.  There are times when we can see in both realms at the same time.  I believe that our spiritual sight is most important in giving us guidance.  As I was reading the story of John the Baptist this week, God was highlighting how he saw and then took action.  As a result of his testimony, Jesus was identified and then received two of his disciples.
 
The story starts in John 1, Verse 19.  John was God's chosen vessel to "prepare the way" for the coming of the Messiah.  The day before Jesus appeared, Pharisees who had been sent from Jerusalem came to question John's right to baptize.  He told them, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" (John 1:23)  John's baptisms symbolized repentance in preparation for God's people to meet their Savior who would forgive their sins.
 
Probably the priests and Levites who came to "check John out" were still in the crowd when Jesus walked onto the scene.  "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!  This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'  I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.'" (John 1:29-31)
 
What John sees with his eyes draws him into a process that results in a testimony.  Seeing should lead us into evaluating what we have seen.  The mind is the place where we process what we have seen so that we can determine what to do next.  That is why 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."  The process goes like this:  Seeing - thoughtful consideration - decision - action.
 
When Jesus walked toward John at the Jordan River in Bethany, John was about to realize the fulfillment of his life's call.  Imagine what might have been going on in John's mind after he saw Jesus!  John could not keep silent.  "Then John gave this testimony:  'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him.  I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'  I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.'" (John 1:32-34)
 
Because of John's faithfulness to testify about the Son of God some of his disciples joined Jesus.  "The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.  When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!'  When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus." (John 1:35-37)  The results of John’s testimony speak for themselves.  Many followed Jesus.
 
Obviously, the things that we see can impact our lives and the lives of others.  Many verses in the Bible begin with the command, "See."  For example, look at Revelation 3:8.  "...See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut..." or Isaiah 49:16, "See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hand..."  We must be well connected to the Holy Spirit and be aware of the times when He is saying, "See."  Our sight, both physical and spiritual, should lead us into the process of evaluation and testimony.
 
When we see the beauty of God’s creation or watch the manifestation of healing in someone or receive a prophetic vision for the future our testimony should be, "I cannot keep silent!"  Praise the Lord for the sight He has given us and declare His goodness and majesty to whoever will listen.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is worthy of all praise and honor and glory!