In Acts chapter 4, we see Peter and John brought before the leaders of the church after healing a lame man in the name of Jesus. They were brought before the priests and leaders because they were annoyed that Peter and John were proclaiming the name of Jesus (See Acts 4:1-3). And even with opposition and the threats of the leaders, there were five thousand who believed in Jesus as a result of Peter and John’s boldness. They were then asked in the presence of the high priestly family, ‘By what power or by what name did you do this?’ Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told them it was in the name of Jesus of Nazareth that the man was healed. This is a bold statement especially being in the presence of the same people who sent Jesus to be crucified. Peter showed no fear. What happens after Peter’s response is incredible: ‘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).
This is what gives a person like me hope. Peter and John weren’t some well-learned, intelligent, ‘valuable’ members of society. After all, Peter was a fisherman. And yet, despite the fact that they lacked the qualities that man deems important, they astonished the members of the high priestly family. The priests took note of their boldness and even recognized that they had been with Jesus, which posed a threat to them. But God took care of them, for the people were shouting praises to God, and there was no reproach they could bring before them (See Acts 4:14-22). The priests even went so far as to ask them to stop speaking the name of Jesus. Of course, Peter and John refused.
When they returned to their friends, they revealed what happened in the presence of the chief priests. Then they prayed a mighty prayer together: ‘And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus’ (Acts 4:29-30). Despite the threats and despite their success in being bold, they prayed for more boldness. After praying their prayer, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak with boldness. This inspiring moment even led them all to sell their possession and share according to each one’s needs.
God can do mighty things through the one who is bold in the name of Jesus. But where is that boldness today? Jesus said we would do mightier works than he did (See John 14:12). And yet our faith is wavering. Healings are happening less; people don’t cast out demons in the name of Jesus as much. Instead, we focus our energy on constant service, the only thing we know we can do without God’s help. But God called us to be bold, not lazy and fearful. With even the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains (see Matthew 17:20). But our faith is failing.
MAIN POINTS: Never let anyone or anything stand in your way. Be considered foolish by the world for the sake of Christ and be bold in the name of Jesus, being not ashamed of the gospel of our Savior. It’s time to be a nation, a generation, that rises up and boldly proclaims the name of Jesus to the ends of the earth. Be strong and courageous; be bold; always love; stay in oneness with God; and be humble.
Devotionals by Joel 