[Acts: Inspiration For Transformation Series] God Of GlorySample

Witness to the Power of God

Eileen Vincent

Peter and John follow their Master: they work signs and wonders, they heal and cast out evil spirits. As the apostles carry on Jesus’s ministry, at every point, they direct attention to the power of Jesus’s name and to His message. God’s Spirit works powerfully through them. The mighty demonstrations of God’s power lead to new faith and awe at the name of Jesus. Peter is so full of the Holy Spirit that even his shadow has the power to heal. 

All of these things point to the power of Jesus at work. And just as in Jesus’s life, God’s power working through the apostles calls people to make a decision: they can pursue their own kingdoms, or they can accept Jesus’s rule. 

Ananias and Sapphira, the chief priests, and the religious leaders oppose the power of God. They are interested in their own reputations. They want God on their own terms. The priests and leaders, “filled with jealousy,” even attempt to kill Peter and John. 

But the apostles are obedient. They lead new believers in the way of Jesus. They are unconcerned with their own profit, even to the point of selling their possessions, and undergoing repeated arrests, imprisonment, and beating. They have handed themselves over to God for His purposes. They do not care about their lack of education, social status, or even their notoriety. “We must obey God rather than men,” they declare in Acts chapter 5.

And as they obey Jesus’s command to be witnesses to Him, the Spirit witnesses with them. Peter and John recognize that as they carry out the Master’s mission, they’re becoming like Him and they’re confident that He is with them. They are able to rejoice because they recognize Him at work through their humble, simple decision to obey.

Respond:

Examine your heart. Are you holding back from God? Are you protecting your reputation rather than obeying God? Great grace was given to the apostles. Ask God for the grace to obey Him and to boldly witness to His power. 

Father, lead me to repentance and strengthen my faith. Lord, I renew my commitment to live only for You. Amen.