‘They Marveled’

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13

The power of God working in the lives of ordinary people, causing Christ to get the glory, leaves a lasting impression upon the minds of those who observe it.  The disciples, specifically Peter and John in this case, were ‘uneducated and untrained men.’  Their opponents, the religious establishment, ‘saw the boldness’ which they evidenced.  They were also aware of the miracles they were doing, and the message they were preaching.  The enemies of Christ had become the enemies of the Apostles.  Of this one thing they were sure, that the power the Apostles were demonstrating had something to do with the fact that, ‘they had been with Jesus.’  What will impress those around us?  We would be foolish to believe that it is our intellect, our education, our personal magnetism, or any of our natural gifts and abilities.  What causes people to ‘marvel’ comes as the result of the fact that we ‘have been with Jesus.’  Here is the key to making a difference.  A better program, process, or methodology will make no lasting impression.  What will make a difference, and will enable us to make a difference, will be the fact that we ‘have been with Jesus.’  Let us go to Him and with Him today.

Our Gracious and Wise Savior,
we praise You that You take us up and use us for Your Glory.
We rejoice that You make use of us
in ways that we cannot imagine,
to accomplish Your grand purpose.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning