Be Prepared to Witness

1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

When Peter wrote his letters to the churches in Asia Minor, he himself was a target, as well as the Christians were, of Nero, the Emperor in Rome. Nero was known for his hatred and cruelty, and he blamed the Christians for burning 70 percent of Rome, which Nero had set. Peter’s letters to the Christians in the region intensifies from 1 Peter 1 to 2 Peter, urging Christians to be strong, courageous, obedient to Jesus and ready to stand their ground for the cause of Christ.

In this passage of today’s devotion, Peter tells the Christians of this region to sanctify/set apart Christ Jesus in their hearts. The heart of the faithful disciple is a dwelling of God. It is to be a sacred place. Jesus enters our hearts as an invited guest, but more than that, as our King and Lord.

If we refuse to allow Him to sit down on the throne of our heart, then He will not consent to be our guest. Many try to limit Him to being their guest, sort of like a Sunday visitor you would have over for dinner. Peter urges his readers to make Jesus Lord of their heart and life.

Next he writes for his readers to be prepared to give an account to why they believe in Jesus completely. Being prepared to witness should be common-place, but I realize it is not for all Christians. Being able to take a stand and say who He is to us and what He has done for us should be automatic, without wavering. Because wavering in testimony shows doubt.

Stay in the word, know who Jesus is, why we asked Him in, and what He has done to make our lives better is crucial for these end times.

Prayer:
Jesus, You came into my life when I desperately needed a Savior. Yes I asked You in because You stood at the door of my heart and knocked, because You loved me and You wanted to live in and through me. I know You are the King of my heart and life and You have changed me from the inside out. I stand in allegiance to You. You are my strength, my Song an ever present help in times of trouble, I trust in You!