I was reading Acts 4 this morning about the early beginnings of the Church. In the previous chapter, Peter & John had healed a crippled beggar in Jesus’ name. While practically everyone in Jerusalem was happy over this miracle and gave praise to God, the religious authorities were upset and had Peter and John arrested.
The following day Peter & John were brought in front of the Sanhedrin who questioned them by what power they had performed this miracle. Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, boldly explained that the miracle had been done in the name of Jesus, whom they had crucified but God had raised from the dead. Then Peter went on to say that only the name of Jesus had the power to save people.
After Peter finished speaking, the religious authorities were astonished at how boldly and eloquently he had spoken. After all, he was just a humble fisherman who did not have any theological or oratorical training. The last part of v 13 says, “They took note that these men had been with Jesus.” What a wonderful and accurate observation! Peter & John were like Jesus in their ability to perform miracles of healing and to boldly proclaim the word of God.
Oh that others would notice that we have been spending time with Jesus - that they would see the power of Jesus, the compassion of Jesus, the humility of Jesus, the courage of Jesus in us! Like Moses, whose face glowed with God’s glory after spending time with Him, our lives can reflect the person of Jesus to others. The key is spending time with Jesus. It may not seem like much on any single day but the cumulative time of spending time with Jesus changes us - and impacts others!
Lord, thank you that You invite me to spend time with You. Help me to daily take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. May Your Spirit so permeate my life that others will recognize that I have been spending time with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The following day Peter & John were brought in front of the Sanhedrin who questioned them by what power they had performed this miracle. Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, boldly explained that the miracle had been done in the name of Jesus, whom they had crucified but God had raised from the dead. Then Peter went on to say that only the name of Jesus had the power to save people.
After Peter finished speaking, the religious authorities were astonished at how boldly and eloquently he had spoken. After all, he was just a humble fisherman who did not have any theological or oratorical training. The last part of v 13 says, “They took note that these men had been with Jesus.” What a wonderful and accurate observation! Peter & John were like Jesus in their ability to perform miracles of healing and to boldly proclaim the word of God.
Oh that others would notice that we have been spending time with Jesus - that they would see the power of Jesus, the compassion of Jesus, the humility of Jesus, the courage of Jesus in us! Like Moses, whose face glowed with God’s glory after spending time with Him, our lives can reflect the person of Jesus to others. The key is spending time with Jesus. It may not seem like much on any single day but the cumulative time of spending time with Jesus changes us - and impacts others!
Lord, thank you that You invite me to spend time with You. Help me to daily take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. May Your Spirit so permeate my life that others will recognize that I have been spending time with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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