“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
Peter and John. Two “unschooled, ordinary men” operating in the courage of Christ preaching the gospel. The sick were healed. Those perishing were brought into new life in Christ. They baffled the intellect of the elders and teachers of the law. Yet no one could deny what God was doing. It was clear that these men, Peter and John, had been with Jesus. They were “ordinary men” operating with extraordinary courage! Even those who were against them took note that these men had been with Jesus! They saw the same power and authority they recognized in Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples before His ascension, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
As Jesus washed the feet of His disciples He said to them, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this the world will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” (John 13:34-35).
The world can see we are followers of Christ, disciples of Jesus, as we love one another as Jesus loved us. How did Jesus show His love for us? Well, several ways: He humbled Himself, He served, He healed, He delivered, He listened, He was bold, full of courage and He had compassion. In our scripture today the men observed the courage of Christ in Peter and John and took note that they had been with Jesus. These men loved Jesus, loved one another and as a result they linked arms in ministry to plow forward in courage to minister the gospel to people. Their courage was so extraordinary all who saw them could tell, they had been with Jesus!
FRIEND, Can this be our life’s mission right here? That while the world may not understand us they can, at the very least, take note that we’ve been with Jesus? They can see our courage and know that there is nothing “ordinary” about our courage! No longer will we shrink back in fear but we can resolve today to walk in courage through our daily encounters with others. We too can bear the nature of Christ in the world today. As we abide in Him, He abides in us and we bear the fruit of His nature (John 15:4-5). We are to look more and more like Jesus every day and as a result we can rise up in fearless obedience as we go about our day.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear [or timidity]; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” —2 Timothy 1:7
TODAY: Allow the courage of Christ to empower you and to refresh and water your soul.
READ: Acts 1; 1 Corinthians 15:8; Psalm 56:3-4; Philippians 4:13
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