October 12, With Jesus

These men had been with Jesus. 

Acts 4:13

Peter and John were brought into custody by the temple authorities, the priest, and the Sadducees.  They were obtained for proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ as the One who brought healing to a lame beggar that day.  Although apprehended, their preaching greatly advanced the Gospel, and lives were changed.

“The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people.  They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.  But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.” (Acts 4:1-4)

The day following their arrest, Peter and John stood before an entourage of high priest accompanied with many other Jewish leaders and temple authorities.  And, filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ.

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed,10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone’.” (Acts 4:8-11)

When the Jewish officials witnessed the boldness of Peter and John, they realized that “these were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).  They must have remembered that Peter and John had actually been in Jesus’ presence, but their greatest awareness was the likeness of Jesus found in the lives of these men.  That they were unschooled reflected their uninstructed lives concerning Jewish schooling, and thus untrained to teach.  Yet, they powerfully proclaimed the truth.  

Can you imagine the thoughts among the Jewish leaders?  “We thought we got rid of Jesus, but here He appears once again within the lives of His followers.”  What an amazing testimony to these primitive witnesses, and how amazing if the same could be said of our lives today.

So, from this narrative of the apostles’ witness, we are encouraged to avail ourselves much to time spent with Jesus.  In God’s Word, in prayer, and through the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives we become one with Jesus, we learn how to better follow Jesus, and we consequently die to self so that Jesus may have complete control over our lives.  

How marvelous becomes the accolade that one’s life resembles Jesus.  How amazing that through our time with Jesus in the Spirit’s indwelling we can demonstrate Him in our attitudes, actions, words, and pursuits.   Indeed, how amazing that others can note we have been with Jesus.  

With amazing courage Peter and John stood before their accusers.  They did not retaliate nor physically resist.  Instead, they allowed their witness of the Christ to be their single response.  In their great resolution, they stood firm and consistent, not being afraid to profess the name of Jesus.  A man had been healed through the power of Christ.   And the apostles gave all glory to Jesus.  

These men had no medical knowledge. They had not been at the feet of any great doctors.  They had no training as rhetoricians nor scholars.  And none of these were necessary, for they had been with Jesus. The Spirit of Christ rested upon them.  And, they responded to their circumstance from within their very experience with the Son of God.

The same should be so for you and me.  We must respond out of the overflow of our time with Jesus.  

So today, decide to untangle your busy life of overcommitments, misplaced priorities, and subtle distractions. And make time to be with your Lord.  For in this way, your life becomes a demonstration of His power and grace.  And, you will never be left wanting, for Christ is in you, the hope of glory.  And, others will surely notice that you have been with Jesus.  

Blessings.