Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes,
who are deaf, yet have ears!
Let all the nations gather together,
and let the peoples assemble.
Who among them can declare this,
and show us the former things?
Let them bring their witnesses to justify them,
and let them hear and say, It is true.
"You are my witnesses," says the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am He.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me.
I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior.
I declared and saved and proclaimed,
when there was no strange god among you;
and you are my witnesses," says the LORD.
"I am God, and also henceforth I am He;
there is none who can deliver from my hand;
I work and who can hinder it?"
Isaiah 43:8–13 (RSV)
'You are my witnesses,' says the LORD. We hear this and look around to see who it is the LORD is naming. It has to be someone other than me. Who am I that He should even consider asking? I could name dozens better suited to the task.
'You are my witnesses,' says the LORD. Yes, you, I have chosen you to be my witness to the wonderful things I have done. I could send an angel as in ancient days. True, there are great saints whose gifts astound thousands. They have their place in My Household.
'You are my witnesses,' says the LORD. The Father sends us because we are ordinary. He sends us with His Word and mercy as a living witness to such grace. From time to time, the Father may send an angel or raise up a St. Paul or Luther as the hour demands.
The critical work of the Kingdom, of proclaiming and living the Gospel, is given to us, the ordinary believers. Think on it, who among us came to Christ through an angel's visitation or preaching of a Luther? No, it was ordinary Christians who told us of Jesus' love.
'You are my witnesses,' says the LORD, as it has always been, unto the ages of ages. Amen.