Quiet Witnesses

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Category: General | Dec 1987

We have them in the heavens where the sun, moon and stars beam out their warmth, light, and strength, day and night. No audible means are used by these mighty orbs to attract attention to themselves. They are God's quiet witnesses (Ps. 19:1-3).

"Ye are the light of the world" (Mat. 5:14).

We find them in gardens where the rose, tulip, and lilac display their beautiful colours with generosity, and dispense their pleasant fragrance in a free, silent way. They need no audible voice to call attention to themselves.

"Ye are God's land under cultivation" (1 Cor. 3:9 Wuest).

In the orchard, peaches, apples and pears silently blossom and grow into luscious food for people to enjoy. But at no time do they cry and shout for admiration of their colour, firmness, and fruitfulness.

"Each tree is known by its own fruit" (Luke 6:44).

We have quiet witnesses too in the ranks of Christians; our brothers and sisters of inestimable worth who seek no prominent place, but are content with their humble, unassuming role. Daily they come and go quietly, living peaceful and fragrant lives which others admire. Their names do not appear on the printed page, and they do nothing to draw attention to themselves. Their work might be in their "tents" of prayer as with the Israeli women who worked away unobtrusively in their tents of skin making coloured threads of such importance for the adorning of God's house (Ex. 35:25). The names of these women are not emblazoned anywhere, nor any profound things they may have said. What they did spoke prophetically of Christ and His glory.

God has His quiet witnesses everywhere. They were even among the apostles. Only a few words are recorded as being spoken by some of them. Yet they were as much companions to the Lord as the vocal three, Peter, James, and John. God's quiet workers accomplish so much in their unique way with the gospel leaflet, devotional booklet, greeting card with words of encouragement, and private prayer.

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C., Canada | Dec 1987
General