WITNESS TO THE PEOPLE

When Paul spoke in the synagogue at Antioch in Acts chapter 13, he made reference to these verses in Isaiah to confirm the certainty of God’s promises, founded upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The apostle reviews the history of the nation, and God’s faithfulness in providing ‘a Saviour, Jesus’, v. 23. He then explains that their rejection of the Lord Jesus was in fulfilment of ‘all that was written of him’, v. 29, in order that ‘through this man’ might be preached ‘the forgiveness of sins’, v. 38.

The assurance given by Paul that ‘the sure mercies’, the promises made to David, could not fail is based firmly upon the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, v. 34. In support of this truth, he appeals to the prophet Isaiah, 55. 3, and to the Psalms, 16.10. In so doing, the apostle was establishing himself as a witness to these things.

In chapter 55 of Isaiah, the fruits of chapter 53 are still being displayed. Because of Calvary the call now goes out to ‘every one that thirsteth’. Provision is made in abundance, not just of water to sustain life, but also of wine for joy, and milk for growth and development. And the only requirement in those who would benefit is a sense of need!

The primary purpose of this call is to a backslidden nation in need of recovery and restoration. However, the wider application is clear, as not only Israel, but ‘nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God’, v. 5. And who is the One who bears witness of this gracious provision? Surely none less than the One who has made it all possible!

A witness is one who bears testimony to that which he knows to be true. It can only come from personal experience. Circumstantial evidence and hearsay are not admissible in a court of law. Likewise, the witness borne by this One is dependable because He is the One who ‘died for our sins … was buried, and .. . rose again’, 1 Cor. 15. 3-4.

Christ Himself in resurrection glory is a permanent and unassailable ‘witness to the people’ of the greatness and the power of the work of Calvary.