Acts 4:1-4
Courage and boldness! Do you have that? The truth is, even Peter was not always courageous and bold. We know that Peter, at one time, denied knowing Jesus three times out of fear and embarrassment. Now, we see a more mature and brave Peter in the book of Acts! Apparently, he had learned from his mistake and was ready for any opportunity! Peter and John proclaim the good news and are in turn arrested for it. We should not be surprised at this! Jesus told them in John 15, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also”. That time for persecution had come. This time, only in the form of imprisonment, but later the disciples would all die as martyrs for their faith. What seemed unfair was actually quite amazing! Through the bravery of Peter and John, it says FIVE THOUSAND people came to believe. WOW! It was definitely worth it! While speaking to the people, they were arrested by the religious leaders, just like Jesus. The priests and Sadducees wanted them silenced because they did not believe Jesus was the Messiah or that he rose from the dead!
It’s remarkable to see Peter's growth throughout scripture. Despite the times he let Jesus down, God still used him. The same is true for us. There have been, and will be, times when we lack the courage and boldness to tell others about Jesus. We may relate to Peter and, under pressure, give in to fear. The day may come when we, our children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren have to answer to the authorities much like Peter and John. A day when we may be put in jail or even killed for what we believe. We see this is already taking place in other countries. There are many countries where missionaries have gone and are persecuted for speaking about Jesus. Sadly, there are areas of the world that are unreached for Jesus because missionaries are not allowed to go there. While we have the opportunity to do so, let us not be fearful. As of now, we live in a free country. One day, that may not be the case. If there ever was a time to be bold in our faith, it’s NOW! While we have the freedom and opportunity to do so! You never know what speaking truth will do! For Peter and John, five thousand people came to know Jesus because they stepped out of their comfort zone. People need hope more than ever. We have that hope, let’s share it with others! If you missed an opportunity to stand for Jesus, learn from it, and be ready like Peter for what’s next! God will use you, if you let him, just like he used the disciples. Are you prepared?
Courage and boldness! Do you have that? The truth is, even Peter was not always courageous and bold. We know that Peter, at one time, denied knowing Jesus three times out of fear and embarrassment. Now, we see a more mature and brave Peter in the book of Acts! Apparently, he had learned from his mistake and was ready for any opportunity! Peter and John proclaim the good news and are in turn arrested for it. We should not be surprised at this! Jesus told them in John 15, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also”. That time for persecution had come. This time, only in the form of imprisonment, but later the disciples would all die as martyrs for their faith. What seemed unfair was actually quite amazing! Through the bravery of Peter and John, it says FIVE THOUSAND people came to believe. WOW! It was definitely worth it! While speaking to the people, they were arrested by the religious leaders, just like Jesus. The priests and Sadducees wanted them silenced because they did not believe Jesus was the Messiah or that he rose from the dead!
It’s remarkable to see Peter's growth throughout scripture. Despite the times he let Jesus down, God still used him. The same is true for us. There have been, and will be, times when we lack the courage and boldness to tell others about Jesus. We may relate to Peter and, under pressure, give in to fear. The day may come when we, our children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren have to answer to the authorities much like Peter and John. A day when we may be put in jail or even killed for what we believe. We see this is already taking place in other countries. There are many countries where missionaries have gone and are persecuted for speaking about Jesus. Sadly, there are areas of the world that are unreached for Jesus because missionaries are not allowed to go there. While we have the opportunity to do so, let us not be fearful. As of now, we live in a free country. One day, that may not be the case. If there ever was a time to be bold in our faith, it’s NOW! While we have the freedom and opportunity to do so! You never know what speaking truth will do! For Peter and John, five thousand people came to know Jesus because they stepped out of their comfort zone. People need hope more than ever. We have that hope, let’s share it with others! If you missed an opportunity to stand for Jesus, learn from it, and be ready like Peter for what’s next! God will use you, if you let him, just like he used the disciples. Are you prepared?
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