April 16, 2018
Acts 4:5-7…“When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’” vs. 7
When the religious authorities in Jerusalem heard that the disciples were preaching that Jesus had been raised from the dead and were actually healing the sick, they ordered them to be arrested. They weren’t an impressive group–just a few Galilean fishermen and some hangers-on. When the wealthy, well-educated priestly types saw this motley crew they immediately assumed that they were powerless and impotent. Their first question exposes their incredulity. “How’d you do this?” It’s a good question, one that could well be asked of any gathering of Jesus folk even in our day. Some pretty ordinary believers are doing some amazing things, and often outsiders wonder where they get their chutzpah. The answer today is the same as in Peter’s day. Followers of Jesus don’t work wonders because they are gifted and talented, it’s because we’ve been touched by the Spirit, and the Christ works through us. On our own, we pretty much bumble along, a nondescript band of ordinary people. But we really aren’t alone! We have unseen power and unlimited potential because we are Christ’s presence. Through us, resurrection is proclaimed, the sick are healed, the hungry are fed, and the powerless are lifted up. In the name of Jesus we touch the unclean, work for justice, and welcome strangers. We may not look impressive, but the One whose name we bear has all the power in the world.
Thought for the Day: Where have you seen ordinary people perform extraordinarily?
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