RSVP

Friday, September 12

Revelation 12:11 (NIV): 

“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.”

Devotion

RSVP is a French abbreviation for *répondez s'il vous plaît*, which translates to "please respond."

It is an important part of a believer’s life to respond to the mercy and grace God gives us. Part of that response is worship with a grateful heart. The other part is to share this with others—not only for His glory, but also as a principle in spiritual warfare.

Today’s passage reminds us that believers triumphed over him (the enemy) by the blood of the Lamb. This refers to the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, which brings forgiveness of sins to believers. His death on the cross symbolizes the New Covenant and defeats the power of the enemy. But that’s not all; Scripture says *and* the word of their testimony—this was an essential part of the triumph.

Your testimony should be a declaration about your life. It becomes a powerful weapon against the schemes of the enemy. Sharing our personal stories of triumph, deliverance, and restoration proclaims the victory we have in Jesus Christ.

Our words have the power of death and life (Proverbs 18:21); they have the power to build up or tear down our faith in one another and in God. Words can give instruction and show the way, or they can be defeatist and complain to no end. Words are powerful; most of us carry proof of that in our lives.

The Ten Commandments were given to us in the Old Testament, and we could have just gone by those rules and crossed our fingers for the best. But what happened when someone sinned? Even after prayer and/or sacrifice, was there a way out of our guilt? Rejection? Was there hope for freedom? Was there an eternal answer? Jesus speaks about this when He had a divine appointment with a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water from a well in John 4:13-15: “Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’”

Like the woman at the well, I am curious to the point of desperation to know if anybody personally experiences miraculous healing and restoration today—whether it is physical, mental, financial, or spiritual deliverance. This is why our testimonies are vital, especially in an age where we place great value in experiences. There is validity in looking to others for clarification and confirmation. When I am looking for a good physician, I want the testimony of trusted others.

Historically, we can see that speaking up can be a catalyst for personal and social change. When people tell their stories, others can relate, and it empowers them to seek reform and find hope for victory. One-on-one allows us to speak the same language inside the same culture.

We should never be ashamed to be a follower of Jesus. Our lives should be lived out as a reflection of His grace and mercy. As believers, we can walk out the Great Commission by being bold in declaring what the Lord has done for us. Don’t be afraid to stand up and speak out. Your transformed life is a witness to the truth of the Gospel, and many are dying to hear it.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the blood of the Lamb and for the word of my testimony. I confess that I am often too slow to plead the blood of Jesus and to offer the word of my testimony. Make me bolder in doing both so that I can overcome more quickly. By your Holy Spirit, prompt me to give my testimony more often in ways that will touch the hearts of the hearers and not just help me overcome in the moment, but produce faith and victory in their hearts also. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

It is common for someone to ask, “Where do you go to church?” Try beginning your answer with, “I am a follower of Jesus because …” And then continue with: “I get together with people at … to hear the Word of God, pray, and worship Him together.” Think about your complete answer today and practice it out loud so that you will be prepared. The answer is not a social club. Jesus is the answer.

Resources
  • Be encouraged by this short clip and be reminded to create your own praise, even when life’s not perfect.