1 Kings 1 / Acts 4 / Psalm 124 / Proverbs 16:24
I’m fascinated by everyone’s before and after stories – before and after what varies, but I love the stories of redemption, overcoming, etc. Before and after a loss, before and after overcoming an addiction or having been abused, before and after accepting Christ, and the list could go on and on. As a matter of fact, if you have a before and after story, please share that with me!
The human spirit as created by God is powerful and strong, able to hope against all odds and move past some terrible things. Which brings me to the point of this post. As I read about Peter in Acts 4, I remembered back a few chapters ago in John when he denied Jesus, then Jesus restored him again to relationship by asking if Peter loved Him.
Peter was cowardly, hiding in fear and stating he didn’t know the man he had walked in close relationship with for 3-1/2 years. AND THEN… Jesus sent Holy Spirit, giving the disciples boldness to be witnesses for the Good News Jesus came to reveal. Peter was a totally different man after receiving Holy Spirit baptism. He was bold and all those around noticed the difference.
In Acts 4 :13 it states, “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.”
Even the well-educated religious leaders noticed something different about Peter. The leaders realized Peter had not been educated as they had been, but they recognized that he and the others spoke with authority. Even if they did not understand or receive the message, they noticed the way it was brought.
As we keep reading, we’ll see that the apostles and other disciples will continue to be bold and grow stronger each day. They have become the witnesses Jesus promised they would become. I would love to have been around to see the excitement during this time in history.
Another proof of this new boldness is that after going before the council, many men and women would have hidden and refused to speak again, fearing arrest, beating or death. Not these men and women! Their first response is ANOTHER prayer meeting and ANOTHER filling with Holy Spirit.
And guess what? They went out again to boldly preach even though the religious leaders tried to get them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus. That’s some serious boldness! And I believe the Church today needs this type of boldness to stand for Truth. So, when we find ourselves shrinking back in fear, maybe it’s time we pray to receive another infilling of God’s Spirit so we can continue along as God has called us to do!
