If you asked me what a testimony was in high school, I would point to the court room. Likely quoting a scene from Law and Order which was popular back in the day. Yet, as I began to attend spiritual events like camps, conferences and retreats, my ears were introduced to the biblical meaning of a testimony. The classic hymn In the Garden compares a testimony to your own personal story like taking a walk back through time.
After this I looked and the sanctuary of the tent of the testimony in heaven was thrown open, Revelation 15:5.
During one of his many visions that comprise the Book of Revelation, John sees a sanctuary. However, this place is a tent, perhaps something like the tent of meeting detailed by Moses in Leviticus 1:1-17. Yet, John doesn’t focus on the physical dimensions. Rather, John’s attention is focused on what’s going on inside this tent, testimonies of believers up in heaven. This is the Tent of the Testimony.
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed, Mark 5:18-20.
The Christian artist who simply goes by the name Carmen attempts to describe this heavenly place in his song Lazarus Come Forth. The context of Carmen’s song is based upon the shortest verse in the battle, Jesus wept, John 11:35. Carmen compares the Tent of the Testimony to a Tent Revival from Great Awakenings of the past as believers take turns sharing stories of how each entered into a personal relationship with God. May today’s blog inspire you to share your own testimony with a friend today.
by Jay Mankus
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