February 4 - They had been with Jesus
Today's Journey Through Acts Excerpt is:
They had been with Jesus
As our journey continues into chapter four, the recently healed lame man was not the only one whose life was impacted that day. Peter and John had caused quite an uproar among the religious crowd with the events that unfolded at the temple. The disciples were arrested and brought before the council to be questioned of the healing of this man. As they retold the story it was evident that there was something quite different about Peter and John.
The council of the elders and scribes made an assessment to Peter and John's response in verse thirteen. Their verdict: It was evident that these men "had been with Jesus".
What a statement. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. This may have been an simple acknowledgement that these men had physically been with Jesus during his ministry, but I cannot help but believe it was deeper than that. Something about Peter and John exuded a Christ-likeness. As we read on through chapter four, we see a few characteristics of disciples who could be recognized by their relationship with Jesus.
They were people of perspective
In these trying moments, they did not allow the immediate situation to dictate their dedication. What was their response? "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” They had kingdom perspective. So much kingdom perspective that when they were released, they asked God to empower them to continue speaking his word with boldness. They were people of perspective because....
They were people of prayer
There is no way to separate the events of Acts from the disciples' attention to prayer. Verses twenty-three and twenty-four demonstrate that this was the response of the early church.
Someone needed healing? They prayed. Disciples were arrested and questioned? They prayed. They feel the city still needed the Gospel? They prayed. As a product of being people who prayed....
They were people of power
They walked day by day in the supernatural overflow of their relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus had transformed their lives and the fruit of that relationship was transforming lives all around them. They were quick to tell you as Peter did in verses eight, nine and ten - that this was all due to the power of Jesus.
"Acts 4:8–10 (ESV)
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.
Reflect on the journey:
What changes could you allow God to make in your heart and life to make you look more like someone "who has been with Jesus"?
Through your prayer time today:
Take a moment today to ask God to transform your perspective of a situation in your life that is challenging. Be sensitive to the Spirit as you go through your week to see the changes in your heart and mind.
