Been with Jesus

Peter and John stood in the center of the room. Around them in a U shape sat the members of the Sanhedrin, the most educated influential men of their day, who were responsible for ruling the Jews under the watchful eye of the Roman Empire. Peter and John had been arrested for preaching and teaching about Jesus. They were being interrogated and ask why they insisted on proclaiming this Jesus. Courageously and insightfully the two men responded to the questions. The members of the Sanhedrin were astonished and stumped. They sat there silenced by the men's response. What could they do with these "unschooled, ordinary men?" (Acts 4:13) They were amazingly courageous. They stood undaunted by the threats of this intimidating group. Many had accepted their message, becoming believers in Jesus. The crowd was praising God because they had healed a man who had been crippled for forty years. So in frustration, the grandiose group "commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus" and after some more threats, sent Peter and John on their way.

How could these two "unschooled, ordinary men" frustrate and bewilder such a group? Ironically, the Sanhedrin's response gives us the answer;"They were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13) This simple fact made all the difference. They had been with Jesus! He was their strength and courage. His Spirit anointed their speech, giving their words power beyond eloquence and educational authority.

Yes, in the end the most noteworthy thing about Peter and John was that they had been with Jesus. And so it should be with us. Education and training have their place and should be a part of the Christian's discipleship. Scripture instructs us to study so that we may correctly handle the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:14) But let us never forget that the real difference is not how educated, eloquent, or talented we are.
The difference comes from being with Jesus! We must resist the temptation to rely on anything other than Jesus for effective ministry. We must not excuse our inactivity or ministry ineffectiveness on lack of education, talent, or training.

We need to spend time with Jesus, allowing Him to touch our ears that we will hear Him; touch our eyes that we may see Him; touch our minds that we will know the truth; touch our hearts that we will embrace the truth; touch our bodies, energizing and equipping them to accomplish His purposes; touch our lives, filling us afresh with His Spirit, that people will take note that we have been with Him.

Beloved, we must not neglect spending time with Jesus. It is essential! Therefore, let us be sure we spend time with Him through daily closet prayer, through customary corporate prayer, through habitual meditation on His word, through regular faithful corporate worship, and through involvement in the fellowship of Believers. Then
we, like Peter and John, who after being released by the Sanhedrin, went to the believers and joined in spending time with Jesus through corporate prayer, will speak the word more boldly, realize powerful loving unity among believers, and see many find Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:14)