Testimonials

“Lord, Your testimonies are completely reliable.” (Psalm 93:5) “Lord, Your statutes stand firm.” (Psalm 93:5 NIV)

The NIV version of the Bible uses the word “statutes” rather than “testimonies” as in the HCSB. So what is a statute? It is a word about God, about His standards, and His expectations. Thus, it testifies to some truth about God. These testimonies are “reliable.” That means they are firm, trustworthy, and believable.

So, what testimonies is the psalmist talking about?

Consider Matthew 15:31, “So the crowd was amazed when they saw those unable to speak talking, the deformed restored, the lame seeing. And they gave glory to the God of Israel.” Many might read this verse and just focus on the miracles and say, “Isn’t that great?” But this crowd went beyond to Jesus’ intent for His miracles: they glorified God. The purpose of miracles is to glorify God. They testify to His glory.

Consider Ephesians 3:21, “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Paul prayed for the Ephesians. He prayed that: 1) they would be strengthened, 2) that Christ would dwell in their hearts, 3) that they would be able to comprehend the full extent of God’s love, 4) that they would know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, and 5) so that they would be filled with all the fullness of God. Paul wanted this for us, the church, so that we would glorify God. We sing, “For the glory of the Lord shall come.”

So, what is the purpose of miracles? Their purpose is to glorify God, to reveal His glory. What is the purpose of our walk with God? To glorify God. Miracles and this life of redemption, which is miraculous in itself, are testimonies to the glory of God. They are invitations to faith, which also serves to glorify Him.

Lord, May our lives be testimonies to Your glory throughout the day. Amen.