Associated With Hope
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13
Insight
I have a coffee shop for all sorts of occasions! I have one for writing, one for actually needing to get work done, and a couple just for social interactions. One reason I love coffee shops is that when I leave, I carry that pleasing scent with me. I can recall countless times where I would have dinner with people after spending the day at a coffee shop, and they immediately knew where I had been.
Whether or not we see it, this is a similar experience for those of us who follow Jesus. When you see the moments of Jesus on earth, it was clear that He was separate. Though He had a human body, there was something unique about this Man. His words, His actions, His love, and His authority was unlike anything before. As people would follow Him, they slowly began to enter into this same change. They struggled to understand why Jesus did what He did, but each day they learned and eventually became associated with Him.
In today's verse, Peter and John stand before a council who did not like them preaching about the resurrection. Yet, the board recognized that even though Peter and John did not study the Torah, there was something different about them. The council acknowledged that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
Peter and John saw Jesus, followed Jesus, learned from Jesus, and loved Jesus. Their lives would be forever marked by being with Jesus. There was something different about them - their boldness, their kindness, the way they elevated all of humanity. They declared forgiveness of sins through Jesus and the new life available through Him. They made it clear to everyone that they had been with Jesus.
So, what about us? What would others say about where we have been and who we have been with based on our words, actions, and care for others? For all of us, this is a tough question. It only takes one encounter with Jesus to begin to change who we are. As we walk with Jesus, people start to notice something is different about us.
The most significant reflection of Jesus we can have in this season is hope. People are looking for hope at every glance, and we have the opportunity as the Church to point others to it. Jesus does not need us to get people to a building to see Him. He decided to give us the honor of being His reflection.
Reflection
What avenue can you take to get a glimpse of Jesus every single day?
Prayer
Father, thank you for Your love that ultimately changes every part of my life. I am so grateful that I got that glimpse of You that changed everything for me. I pray that as I continue to see You, that I would reflect You. In every word, action, and thought I want others to see who You truly are. Let them see hope on display! I love You Father, and pray all of this in Your holy name, Amen.
Port City writer Davy Nance wrote today’s devotional.
