I had to laugh a bit as I read my devo today. Peter and John had been arrested and were brought before all of the social powers of Jerusalem–the judges, layers and local spiritual leaders. These upper crust folks were taken back by the confidence that Peter and John showed in their manner, wisdom and words.
After 40 years, a man who was lame from birth was healed. All those who saw were amazed and were following Peter and John. The man himself was brought with Peter and John before this power council.
What makes me laugh is imagining the expressions that must have fixed the faces of these educated rich folks with shock and surprise and bewilderment.
You see, in Jerusalem only the upper crust, educated, well connected should have power and confidence, not uneducated fishermen and common folk.
So what made the difference and emoted bewilderment? What made Peter and John stand out from the everyday townsfolk? Clearly the “people” rarely, if ever, displayed such communicative powers of persuasion. What marked them as different?
The elders and scribes tell us. Their ah-ha moment–the moment that it began to make sense is recorded in Acts 4:13, “…they BEGAN to recognize they had been with Jesus.”
It began to dawn on these religious leaders–I’m imagining the expressions and chatter–that Peter and John had spent time with Jesus. Jesus’ influence in their life had transformed the common into the uncommon. Jesus had empowered the powerless. The Holy Spirit elevated their influence and it took the elite by suprise.
One more undeniable fact was the 40 year old man who stood with them having been healed–everyone was witness to this miracle. Powerful evidence always trumps grand arguments.
I’m captivated by this moment because it reminds me that spending time with Jesus is the thing that transforms us. I don’t know about you, but I feel pretty average–pretty normal and just “one of the folks”. I don’t pastor a mega church, or even a church of 200. Sometimes I feel rather small, but Peter and John remind me that it isn’t about pedigree or a degree, it’s about spending time with Jesus. It is about inviting the Holy Spirit, who is within us, full reign to move through us for His glory and influence. I’ll leave the results up to Him–I just need to be faithful in spending time with Jesus.
I’d love the world, and even the religious to scratch their heads and ask the question, “What are we going to do with this guy (vs 15)? Clearly he walks in power and proof of the faith he professes.”
I want that. How about you? If so, do you have the answer that provoked the question. What answered the question in the minds of this council? Ready… Ah, Tim’s been with Jesus!
Take some time and spend it with Jesus–who knows, He might just turn common into uncommon–that sounds exciting to me.